Iran-backed Houthi forces have taken control of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital passage connecting the Red Sea to global shipping lanes, after capturing Mayyun Island (also known as Perim), according to local government sources and eyewitnesses.
“Armed Houthi fighters reached Mayyun Island after government forces withdrew from it,” an official stated, noting that the volcanic island divides the narrowest part of the strait into two shipping channels. “The Houthis have completed their takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb area and Mayyun Island.”
An observer reported that gunmen were “deploying along the Bab el-Mandeb shore and are operating military vehicles in the area.”
Additional reports indicate that the group also seized the town of Dhubab and the coastal village of Murad, effectively bringing Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline under Houthi control in a rapid 18-hour offensive.
Government military sources confirmed that Houthi forces have besieged troops on the Hanish islands, following earlier captures of Zuqar Island, the largest in a Red Sea archipelago. Over 2,000 soldiers are believed to be surrounded, with reports suggesting the Houthis have ordered their surrender.
A senior military official said the besieged forces have appealed for “rescue, supplies of food and water, and air support to lift the siege.”
The offensive began on Thursday with the capture of the strategic port city of Mokha and Zuqar Island, achieved through rocket attacks and amphibious assaults using boats, according to military sources. Videos circulating online allegedly show Houthi celebrations in Mokha and the seizure of government equipment, though their authenticity could not be verified.
Implications for Global Maritime Trade
The Houthis, who previously controlled about one-third of Yemen, have historically targeted shipping in the narrow waterway linking Asia to Europe via the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz together account for over a quarter of global seaborne oil trade, with nearly one-third of container traffic passing through the Red Sea.
Reports suggest the Houthis have consulted with Tehran on implementing a toll for safe passage through the strait, potentially exacerbating economic strains worldwide.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government has repeatedly warned of Houthi ambitions to dominate the waterway, known in Arabic as the “Gate of Tears.” However, a Houthi politburo member, Hazem al-Assad, sought to reassure international stakeholders, stating, “Freedom of navigation and international trade in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab are safe and orderly.”
This was later clarified by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, who specified that “maritime navigation is safe for all companies except Saudi ships, which have already been banned.”
Caroline Rose, Senior Director at the Soufan Center, noted that the Houthi control over Perim Island and Yemen’s coastline creates a chokepoint, forcing shipping operators to consider costlier routes around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times, insurance costs, and risks associated with drone proliferation.
Houthi Military Expansion
Formally known as Ansar Allah, the Houthis seized power in late 2014 by taking Sana’a and key military sites, exiling Yemen’s government. The group is part of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” including Hezbollah, Hamas, and other militias backed by the IRGC.
Hostilities reignited in July when the Houthis allowed an Iranian plane to land, defying Saudi control of Yemeni airspace. Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes, prompting the Houthis to declare a blockade on Saudi oil trade.
The recent offensive involved large-scale attacks on Saudi-backed government forces and incursions into Saudi territory, leading to daily Houthi strikes and a spike in oil prices above $100 per barrel.
Saudi Arabia stated it has offered negotiation opportunities but retains the right to self-defense.
International Responses and Alliances
Despite a NATO-style mutual defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed last month, Pakistani officials have indicated limited involvement, describing it as a “defensive alliance focused on deterrence.”
US President Donald Trump previously threatened action against Houthi maritime blockades, but Washington appears reluctant to escalate amid its own conflicts. Reports suggest Trump rejected Saudi requests for strikes on Houthi positions near Mokha.
The EU’s External Action Service condemned Houthi attacks, calling for compliance with UN resolutions. Operation Aspides, a naval mission in Djibouti, aims to protect navigation but lacks offensive mandates against land targets. Expansion of its role is under discussion.
Analyst Rose highlighted the Houthis’ resilience and the potential for renewed international coalitions in the coming months as the US seeks leverage with Iran.
Tehran’s Support and Regional Dynamics
Tehran has called for an end to Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Yemen and resumed talks, with Iranian adviser Mohammad Mokhber congratulating the Houthis on their “resounding victory.” Unverified reports claim the IRGC has deployed advisors to assist Houthi operations.
The Bab el-Mandeb disruption aligns with Iranian objectives, as the Strait of Hormuz blockade already pressures energy markets. The Institute for the Study of War noted that while Houthis and Iran share goals, the group independently decides its involvement.
Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council head, Rashad al-Alimi, urged Arab and international support for coastal defense, emphasizing it as a “joint Yemeni, Egyptian, Arab, and international interest.”
The offensive has resulted in over 500 casualties and displaced approximately 46,000 people, according to the UN migration agency.
