Houthis seize key Yemeni island in Bab el-Mandeb, taking control of the strait
The Houthis seize key Yemeni island in a major escalation along Yemen’s western coast, taking Mayyun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The volcanic island
Table of Contents
Houthis Seize Key Yemeni Island in Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Poinews.com – The Houthis seize key Yemeni island in a major escalation along Yemen’s western coast, taking Mayyun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The volcanic island, also known as Perim, sits in a strategic position between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Houthi forces completed the operation on Friday after government troops withdrew from the island, according to a local government official who spoke anonymously. Armed fighters were reported along the shoreline and moving through the area in military vehicles.
“Boats carrying armed Houthi fighters reached Mayyun Island after government forces withdrew from it yesterday.”
Why Mayyun Island matters
Mayyun lies in the middle of the Bab el-Mandeb, where the waterway divides into maritime channels used by ships travelling between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The Houthis seize key Yemeni island operation gives the group influence near one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Vessels using the route can continue north towards the Suez Canal, while disruption can force ships to take the much longer route around southern Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.
Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb together handle more than one-quarter of seaborne crude oil and petroleum trade. The Red Sea also carries nearly a third of global container traffic, making security in the strait a concern for shipping companies, governments and consumers.
Rapid Houthi gains on Yemen’s coast
The seizure of Mayyun came during an offensive that changed control of Yemen’s western coastline within roughly 18 hours. Houthi fighters also captured the town of Dhubab and the coastal village of Murad, placing Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast under their control.
Government military sources said troops stationed on the Hanish islands had been surrounded. The fate of more than 2,000 soldiers was unclear, although officials said they believed the Houthis had told the forces to surrender.
A senior military official said the trapped troops had requested urgent assistance, including food, water, evacuation and air support to break the siege.
“Rescue, food and water, and the lifting of the siege, which would require air support.”
The offensive followed the capture of Mokha, a strategically located port city, on Thursday. Houthi forces also took Zuqar Island, the largest of three principal islands in a Red Sea archipelago north of Bab el-Mandeb.
Military sources said the assault on Zuqar included rocket fire followed by a ground operation in which fighters arrived by boat. Videos circulated online that appeared to show Houthi personnel celebrating in Mokha and displaying equipment left behind by government forces, although the videos could not be independently verified.
Potential impact on global shipping
The Houthis seize key Yemeni island development raises fresh concerns about commercial traffic through the Red Sea. The group had already targeted shipping in the strait before the latest offensive, despite controlling roughly one-third of Yemen’s territory.
The group has also been linked to discussions with Tehran over a possible safe-passage charge for vessels using the waterway during the summer. Any added fees, insurance costs or diversions could put further pressure on trade flows and consumer prices.
Caroline Rose, senior director at the Soufan Center, said control of Perim Island and Yemen’s coast could allow the Houthis to exert substantial pressure on shipping operators and regional infrastructure, including the Suez Canal.
“This adds weeks, greater insurance requirements given the proliferation of drones and overall risk, cost, and personnel needs to the journey, something that will undoubtedly increase prices.”
Houthi statements on navigation
Yemen’s internationally recognised government has repeatedly warned that the Houthis intended to control Bab el-Mandeb. A member of the Houthi politburo said on Friday that civilian shipping and international trade would remain safe and orderly in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
However, the Houthis seize key Yemeni island move has intensified scrutiny of whether those assurances can be maintained as control of the coastline and islands changes.
FAQ: Bab el-Mandeb and Mayyun Island
Where is Mayyun Island?
Mayyun Island, also called Perim, is a rocky volcanic island in Yemen’s Bab el-Mandeb strait. It lies between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Why is Bab el-Mandeb important?
The strait is a vital international shipping route. Ships travelling between Asia and Europe commonly pass through Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
How could the seizure affect shipping?
Increased insecurity can lead ships to pay higher insurance costs, delay voyages or divert around the Cape of Good Hope. Such changes can add weeks to delivery times and increase transport costs.
