Yemen’s Houthi rebels have seized control of Perim Island, a strategic point in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, in a rapid offensive that heightens risks to global energy supplies and shifts dynamics in the country’s protracted conflict. The move, which took place over the weekend, marks a significant escalation by the Tehran-backed group after months of relative inactivity in the wider regional confrontation involving Iran.
Perim Island, located at the narrow 29-kilometer-wide maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, is a critical artery for international oil shipments, akin to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis’ capture of this area grants them leverage over one of the world’s most vital energy corridors, raising concerns about potential disruptions to Saudi oil exports and the possible impact on global energy markets.
The operation followed weeks of preparations in which the Houthis positioned thousands of troops and weaponry near the port city of Mokha. Intelligence advantage gained through control over Yemeni telecommunications reportedly allowed them to intercept adversaries’ communications, sow confusion, and pressure rival forces into retreat. They secured Mokha on Thursday before advancing to take Perim Island the following day.
Led by Abdulmalik Al-Houthi, who commands an estimated 350,000-strong force, the group has demonstrated increased military capability with its use of drones, missiles, and tactical coordination. Experts note their unity of command and clear ideological direction contrast with the fractured nature of their opponents, who include various factions supported by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The alliance opposing the Houthis has weakened amid internal disputes, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The UAE’s partial disengagement from the Yemen conflict, highlighted by a breakdown in the coalition in late 2025, has left Saudi Arabia more isolated in its efforts to counter the rebels. Saudi officials earlier secured informal agreements with the Houthis to prevent attacks on the kingdom and its maritime interests, but these understandings have since deteriorated.
Saudi Arabia faced increasing pressure after recent attacks on its energy infrastructure, including a drone strike on the East-West pipeline reportedly originating from Iraq, alongside the intensifying threat posed by Houthi control of Bab al-Mandeb. Critics within the anti-Houthi camp have expressed frustration over Saudi reluctance to provide requested air support against the rebels, a hesitation linked to the kingdom’s concerns about becoming further embroiled in Yemen following years of costly air campaigns.
The United States, which conducted a 50-day bombing campaign against the Houthis in 2025, has so far refrained from renewed military intervention. US officials suggest that the Houthis have indicated a preference for resolving the situation without external involvement.
Despite potential efforts to reclaim Perim Island, the Houthis retain a significant missile and drone arsenal capable of threatening maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Analysts compare this posture to Iran’s ongoing stalemate in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the Houthis’ continuing ability to disrupt shipping lanes and exert influence over global energy security.
Observers caution that international attention tends to intensify only when such conflicts directly affect global markets. The Houthis’ recent gains affirm their position as a significant powerbroker in Yemen and the broader regional contest.