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Yemen's Houthis seize strategic island at Bab al-Mandab Strait, threatening global shipping
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Iran-backed Houthi fighters have arrived on Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to four Yemeni government sources, potentially strengthening their control over a key global shipping lane. Two sources from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government said government forces withdrew from the island and that the Houthis also seized the Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab. If the Houthis gain full control of the strait, it could give Iran a critical advantage in its conflict with the US by reducing supplies through a second major transport corridor and pushing up oil prices. Global oil prices were set to close above $100 per barrel for the first time since mid-May, but dipped on Friday after reports that Middle Eastern foreign ministers were seeking a temporary deal to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Yemeni government forces announced plans to retake captured areas, deploying weapons and aircraft. Reuters reported that Houthi advances were carried out under direct guidance from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to Axios, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump twice, urging him to strike the Houthis, but Trump rejected the request.
Source report
ADEN, Sept 11 (Reuters) – Four Yemeni government sources reported that Iran-backed Houthi fighters arrived on Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Friday, potentially strengthening their control over a key global shipping lane and further escalating threats to energy markets from the widening Middle East war.
Earlier, two sources from the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized Yemeni government stated that government forces had withdrawn from Perim Island, and that the Houthis had also seized the Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab, which faces the island across the water.
Strategic Implications
If the Houthis gain full control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, it could give their backer Iran a critical advantage in its conflict with the United States by:
- Reducing supplies through a second major transport corridor
- Pushing up oil prices
Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has relied on Red Sea routes after the Iranian conflict effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Market Impact
Global oil prices were set to close above $100 per barrel for the first time since mid-May this week, but dipped slightly on Friday after the Financial Times reported that Middle Eastern foreign ministers were seeking a temporary deal to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Military Response
Yemeni government forces said they would attempt to retake areas captured by the Houthis in a lightning offensive along the Red Sea coast this week, announcing plans to deploy weapons and aircraft to eliminate any "terrorist" Houthi militia operations in strategic zones, including:
- Roads leading to the coastal city of Mocha, which the Houthis captured on Thursday
- The Hanish Islands in the Red Sea
Military spokesman Colonel Nazili urged civilians to avoid using the route between Taiz and Mocha.
Escalating Conflict
Fighting between the Houthis and Yemeni government forces has intensified in recent days as the group shifts focus to controlling Yemen's long coastline. Reuters reported on Thursday that the Houthis' advances this week were carried out under direct guidance from Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Two Iranian sources said Tehran last week asked the Houthis to escalate attacks on Saudi Arabia and promised more funding, weapons, and senior officers. Iran publicly denies providing military guidance to the Houthis.
Diplomatic Developments
According to Axios, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called U.S. President Donald Trump twice on Thursday, urging him to strike the Houthis, but Trump rejected the request, with U.S. officials saying the administration currently does not plan direct military action against the Houthis.
The Financial Times reported that Gulf state foreign ministers plan to meet with Iran's foreign minister in Salalah, Oman, on Monday to seek a temporary deal to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Source: Reuters
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