The Iran-backed Houthis have seized Perim Island and the port city of Mokha, tightening their control over a critical Red Sea shipping route.
The Houthis have seized Perim Island at the mouth of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical point on the international shipping route. This development follows their recent capture of the strategic port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, according to military sources. The group has now reportedly taken control of the entire western Red Sea coastline, as confirmed by a Yemeni military official. The Houthis have reiterated their threat to target vessels from Saudi Arabia, though they claim to pose no threat to international shipping.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia closed its east-west oil pipeline as a precautionary measure after it was subjected to multiple attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions on Thursday. The Saudi energy ministry reported that the attacks resulted in several injuries. The pipeline has been increasingly used by Saudi authorities to transport oil, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis have also claimed a major advance on the western Red Sea coast, tightening their grip on the key international shipping route.
Why it matters
Houthis are seizing Perim island on the Red Sea shipping route; the broader context is that Houthi forces in Yemen are making a concerted drive to take over the country’s Red Sea coast, with recent advances including the capture of the key port of.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether Houthis will attempt to expand control to other Red Sea ports.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.