Choke Points: Bab el-Mandeb

This is the second short in the series on Choke Points. In international maritime security and trade parlance, choke point refers to a very narrow navigable passage between two water bodies, surrounded by land masses.

Choke points are vital for global trade. They are naturally narrow shipping channels with high traffic due to their strategic locations. Approximately 80% of global merchandise is shipped via sea, and these waterways are used by thousands of vessels a year.

Choke points pose several risks. Structural risks include ships crashing along the shore of a canal if the passage is too narrow, causing traffic jams that can last for days. Geopolitical risks include high traffic leading to blockades or deliberate disruptions during political turmoil or unrest. Maritime piracy incidents, hijacking, and other crimes are also threats.

This short discusses Bab el-Mandeb. It connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It holds strategic importance as more than 12% of international maritime trade passes through it. Since the Israel-Gaza War, the Houthis, who are aligned with Hamas-Palestine have disrupted the maritime traffic in the Red Sea. They have constantly attacked commercial and merchant ships with drones and missiles and have sunk several ships. The US-led coalition has launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to protect the maritime trade in the region. However, as of August 2025, the transit traffic through the Red Sea is down to 40% of its levels in November 2023.

Additionally, China's PLA has established its first overseas military base in Djibouti, at the mouth of Bab el-Mandeb. China thus controls a crucial choke point. It adds another dimension to the US-China geopolitical rivalry.

These factors make Bab el-Mandeb a crucial choke point.