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Why are foreign military bases located in Djibouti near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?

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Red Sea Map showing the Red Sea and the countries surrounding it. The Red Sea is one of the most heavily traveled waterways in the world. It is about 1,200 miles (1,930 km) long, and its maximum width is about 190 miles (305 km).

Foreign military bases are located in Djibouti primarily due to its strategic position on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.123

This location is vital for global trade, as the strait serves as a major transit route for container shipping and approximately one-tenth of the world's seaborne oil trade. Because of this economic importance, the presence of international forces is considered advantageous for:42

Combating Terrorism: Following the September 11 attacks, the Djiboutian government permitted the United States to establish a base to support the global war on terrorism.156
Maritime Security: The bases facilitate efforts to address regional instability and combat maritime piracy, which has historically threatened commercial shipping in the area.126

While France maintains a long-standing military presence dating back to its time as a colonial power, other nations—including China, Japan, Italy, Germany, and Spain—have established bases or troop presences to protect their interests in this essential maritime corridor.152