Consider the following statements: 1. The strait serves as a maritime border only between Yemen and Djibouti. 2. The channel is divided into two parts by Perim Island, with the western channel acting as the primary deep-water shipping lane. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Bab al-Mandab Strait is flanked by Yemen on the Arabian side, and both Djibouti and Eritrea on the African side. It separates the Arabian Peninsula from the Horn of Africa, sharing its borders with three countries.
Statement 2 is correct: The Yemeni island of Perim (or Mayyun) divides the strait into two channels. The deeper, wider western channel (Dact-el-Mayun) is generally used by large vessels, while the shallower eastern channel (Bab Iskender) is narrower.