Djibouti and Yemen are separated only by the narrow Bab al-Mandab Strait. Through which Houthi fighters have launched a series of attacks against Israeli-linked vessels since November. Djibouti has increased coast guard patrols along its strategic waterway in response to the Red Sea crisis. “When you’re securing something, not just at sea. And something happens, you have to extend the time until it happens and see what’s going on.”  Djibouti Coast Guard Colonel Weiss Omar Bogole, the commander. “Therefore, we are strengthening our capabilities. And increasing our chances of securing the area according to the current situation in the Red Sea,  Gulf of Aden, and Bab al-Mandab.

Djibouti has experienced economic growth over the past decade. However, the ongoing crisis could have a negative impact on coastal states. The country has several foreign military bases but is not part of the US-led coalition that has launched airstrikes against the Houthis.“We have a lot of friends from different countries who work at sea, and some of them are isolated [stationed] on the coast. We work closely together and, cooperate and coordinate all tasks related to security.],” says Cl Bogore. The Houthis, who control southwestern Yemen, said the attacks targeted ships with ties to Israel and that they would continue attacking targets until Israel’s deadly war on Gaza ends.