Houthis Capture Red Sea Island Near Bab el-Mandeb, Threatening Global Shipping
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have captured Mayun Island (also known as Perim) near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, regional officials confirmed. The seizure comes just a day after the militant group took control of the key western port city of Mocha.
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have captured Mayun Island (also known as Perim) near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, regional officials confirmed. The seizure comes just a day after the militant group took control of the key western port city of Mocha. By establishing a foothold on the island, Houthi forces now hold a direct vantage point over one of the world's most vital commercial shipping corridors. The move triggered immediate defensive military responses and sparked fresh concerns over energy security and global maritime transport.
Rapid Coastal Offensive Ends in Capture
The takeover of Mayun Island marks the latest development in a swift military push along Yemen's western Tihama coastal plain. Supported by artillery barrages and drone deployments, Houthi fighters advanced rapidly through local defense lines. Houthis Capture Strategic Mokha Port Near Bab el-Mandeb, Threatening Key Shipping Route.
Government-aligned Yemeni forces withdrew toward the southern coastal region of Dhubab as rebel units consolidated positions across both Mocha and the offshore islands. In response to the rapid territorial expansion, Saudi-led coalition aircraft targeted military infrastructure near Mocha’s airport, attempting to disrupt further rebel movements.
A Critical Chokepoint for Global Shipping
Located directly inside the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Mayun Island offers strategic control over ships traveling between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. A significant percentage of world trade—including millions of barrels of crude oil—passes through this maritime corridor daily to reach the Suez Canal.
Maritime analysts warn that Houthi military assets stationed on the island could easily target passing cargo vessels or deploy naval mines, dramatically increasing risks for commercial traffic. Global energy markets reacted quickly to the development, with Brent crude prices rising above $100 per barrel as supply chain risks mounted. Undermining Regional Security, Unacceptable: India Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Widening Conflict and Diplomatic Fall-Out
The advance represents the Houthis' most significant territorial gain since the UN-brokered truce in 2022, threatening to pull Yemen back into full-scale civil war. Western intelligence officials and local military sources report that the offensive received logistical support, advanced drone technology, and direct guidance from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
While a Houthi spokesperson claimed international trade through the waterway would remain unhindered, regional governments view the escalation as a deliberate attempt by Tehran to build leverage against international coalition forces. International shipping firms are once again assessing alternative routes around the southern tip of Africa to safeguard vessels and crews.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2026 05:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
