Houthi Advance: Perim Island Captured
The Iran‑backed Houthi movement claimed a major leap in the western Red Sea coast, taking Perim Island – the narrowest point of the Bab al‑Mandab Strait that connects the Arabian Gulf to the Mediterranean – from Saudi‑backed Yemeni forces.
This advance follows the recent capture of the port city of Mokha, an event that further cements the Houthis’ hold over Yemen’s coastline and threatens the security of shipping lanes that many oil carriers depend on.
The Houthis did not signal a threat to international shipping, instead stating they would only target vessels from Saudi Arabia. A senior Trump aide has said the U.S. is “in continuous dialogue” with both Saudi and Yemeni sides, while offering intelligence support rather than direct military action.
- Houthis now control the entire Yemen coastline.
- Perim Island gives the group strategic control over the Red Sea gateway.
- The move could elevate oil prices by disrupting shipping supplies.
- Nearly 46,000 Yemenis have fled the conflict, according to the IOM.
Saudi Arabia has cracked down on the Houthis in western Yemen with air strikes, and the Houthis have counter‑attacked with missiles and drones, targeting Saudi energy facilities. The battle for the Red Sea corridor, once secure, now faces a higher risk of disruption.
With the Bab al‑Mandab Strait now under tighter Houthi influence, maritime traffic may get rerouted or delayed, adding a layer of uncertainty for global trade. The United Nations and regional powers are calling for a swift freeze of the conflict to prevent further escalation.
