Houthis were already able to disrupt shipping - their advance consolidates that power, and exposes government weakness.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Yemen's ambassador warns Houthi attacks threaten global shipping.

Houthi forces are advancing towards the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatening a route carrying 12% of global trade between Yemen, Djibouti and Eritrea

The Houthis’ interests converge with Iran’s strategic aims

The rebels now have unmatched control over the Bab Al Mandeb strait