Houthi militia seizes Perim Island, gains control over key Bab al-Mandab shipping strait
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According to a local government representative and eyewitnesses, the Houthi militia has seized the island of Mayyun, also known as Perim, in the Bab al-Mandab strait, taking control of one of the world's most important shipping routes. Government troops reportedly withdrew from the island the previous day. Armed Houthi fighters were seen taking up positions along the coast and driving military vehicles. The Bab al-Mandab strait connects the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean and has gained additional significance since the Strait of Hormuz was largely blockaded during the Iran war. The National Defense Council of the Yemeni government condemned the militia's attacks on Saudi Arabia and stated that threats will be met with a response, warning that a military operation would not be limited to a single front. The fragile ceasefire in place since 2022 is at risk of collapsing, and a return to full-scale fighting would have far-reaching consequences for Yemen's approximately 40 million people, with around 150,000 already killed according to UN estimates.
Source report
The Yemeni Houthi militia has seized control of the island of Perim in the Bab al-Mandab strait, one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, according to a local government representative.
Key Developments
- Armed Houthi fighters arrived on the island of Mayyun, also known as Perim, on Friday
- Government troops had withdrawn from the island the previous day
- An eyewitness reported armed men "taking up positions along the coast of Bab al-Mandab and driving around with military vehicles"
Strategic Importance
The Bab al-Mandab strait connects the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean and has gained additional significance since Tehran largely blockaded the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran war. The island of Perim divides the strait into two shipping routes.
Escalating Tensions
The National Defense Council of the Yemeni government condemned the militia's attacks on Saudi Arabia, stating that threats will be met with a response. In a release published Friday but dated Thursday, the council warned that a military operation by Yemeni armed forces "would not be limited to a single front."
Saudi Arabia leads a military coalition supporting the internationally recognized government against the Houthis and has maintained an air and sea blockade of Houthi-controlled areas for years.
Fragile Ceasefire at Risk
The conflict between the warring parties has recently flared up again, with fighting ongoing within Yemen. The fragile ceasefire in place since 2022 is at risk of collapsing.
Humanitarian Impact
A return to full-scale fighting would have far-reaching consequences for Yemen's approximately 40 million people, the poorest population in the Arab world. According to United Nations estimates:
- Around 150,000 people have been killed in the conflict
- Many others have been pushed to the brink of famine
Background
The civil war in Yemen began in 2014 when the Houthis captured Sanaa and large parts of the north. The Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year in support of the internationally recognized government.
Sources: dpa, AFP, AP
Source
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