Al Jazeera – All News published an opinion article on 17 September 2026 titled “‘They called us’: Has Trump abandoned Bab al-Mandeb to the Houthis?”. The column raises concerns that U.S. policy during the Trump administration failed to adequately secure the Bab al-Mandeb maritime corridor, a vital chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The author contends that the perceived disengagement created an opening for the Yemeni Houthi movement, which has previously threatened shipping lanes in the region. By citing statements from regional actors who reportedly expressed alarm over the lack of a visible U.S. naval presence, the piece suggests that the strategic vacuum could embolden the Houthis to increase attacks on commercial vessels.
The commentary references the broader context of U.S. involvement in the Red Sea, noting that American naval deployments have historically been a deterrent against piracy and militant activity. It points to a shift in deployment patterns during the latter years of the Trump presidency, implying that the reduction in patrols may have signaled a policy recalibration.
While the article does not present new data, it draws on existing public discourse to argue that the United States’ strategic priorities may have been misaligned with the security needs of the Bab al-Mandeb corridor. The author calls for a reassessment of American maritime strategy to prevent further destabilisation of a route that handles a significant share of global oil and container traffic.
Al Jazeera’s piece concludes by urging policymakers to consider the long‑term implications of reduced naval engagement in the Red Sea, emphasizing that any erosion of security could have ripple effects on international trade and regional stability.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2026/9/17/they-called-us-has-trump-abandoned-bab-al-mandeb-to-the-houthis?traffic_source=rss.