Houthi rebels have seized several strategic islands in the Red Sea and along the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, consolidating their control over a crucial maritime corridor that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The offensive, launched over the past several days, included the capture of Perim Island—which divides the strait—as well as Zuqar and Hanish islands, following the takeover of the Yemeni port city of Mocha on Thursday.
According to Yemeni analysts and officials, the Houthis’ advance has effectively secured their dominance over the Bab al-Mandeb, a key transit point for global shipping and Saudi oil exports. “Now they are fully in control of Bab al-Mandeb,” said Ahmed Nagi, a Yemen analyst with Crisis Group, citing discussions with Yemeni government sources. He noted that once Mocha fell, the islands facing the port quickly came under Houthi control.
Mohammed Albasha, founder of the US-based risk advisory firm Basha Report, highlighted signs that the coalition opposing the Houthis—comprising Saudi-backed Yemeni factions—is weakening. He described the situation as an uphill struggle for those forces, stating, “We are seeing the Houthis win. They control the entire Red Sea coastline, and over the past 48 hours have added 130 kilometers of coastline, including all the main Yemeni islands.”
The capture of these territories comes amid escalating Yemeni civil conflict and intensifying Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The group, which receives backing from Iran, has launched repeated missile and drone strikes on Saudi energy infrastructure and military installations within the past week, reportedly wounding over 70 people and causing damage to oil facilities. Saudi authorities have not disclosed the specific sites affected or the extent of the damage.
The Houthi military spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, stated that the Bab al-Mandeb Strait remains safe for all maritime traffic except for Saudi shipping. This territorial gain significantly impacts regional power dynamics, underlining Iran’s strategic influence in the area and its ongoing contest with the United States, which has been supporting Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government forces.
The Bab al-Mandeb has grown in importance since Iran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following the US and Israel’s military escalation against Tehran earlier this year. It remains a vital chokepoint for international trade, particularly for shipments navigating between the east and west via the Suez Canal.
The Houthi offensive and gains along the Red Sea coastline have influenced global energy markets, prompting Brent crude prices to briefly approach $110 a barrel before settling below $105. The situation remains fluid as the Yemeni conflict deepens and regional tensions persist over control of strategic waterways.