Qatar warns of the "disastrous" consequences of closing Bablamandab

Qatar warns of the "disastrous" consequences of closing Bablamandab

Qatar has expressed concern about the dire consequences of closing the vital waterway at Bel Mandab.

According to the AFP news agency, Ebrahim Hashemi, an official at Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters: "The world has suffered enough from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, so Bablamandab should not be added to this equation."

According to him, closing the southern entrance to the Red Sea would be "catastrophic" for the whole world and "we are now witnessing its consequences... Therefore, Qatar is emphasizing diplomacy and speech".

The Houthis controlled the eastern coast and the Belmandab strait, and there is concern that they will block access to the Suez Canal.

After the capture of the Strait, the Houthis emphasized in statements that Bebelmandav is open to all ships except Saudi ships.