Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militants have reportedly captured the entire western coast of Yemen and several strategic Red Sea islands, including Perim and Zuqar. This rapid advance gives the Houthis unmatched control over the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a vital choke point for global shipping that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is crucial for oil flows to Europe via the Suez Canal. The move represents a significant strategic shift, as the Houthis are now focusing on coastal control rather than just northern Yemen.
The Houthis' offensive followed their capture of the coastal city of Mokha, after which they pushed south to Dhubab, the last major town on Yemen's western coast that directly overlooks the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Perim Island, also known as Mayyun, lies within the strait itself and offers a commanding position to monitor vessels. Zuqar Island, located between Yemen and Eritrea, was previously used by government forces to track shipping and monitor Houthi movements.
This Houthi control over Bab al-Mandeb is seen as a critical advantage for Iran in the ongoing conflict with the US, potentially allowing them to disrupt a second major transit corridor in addition to the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest this could lead to surging oil prices, with Brent North Sea Crude and US oil contract WTI already hovering above $100 a barrel. The fighting has intensified, with Saudi Arabia responding with airstrikes, but has not deterred the Houthi advance, which has left hundreds dead and displaced nearly 20,000 people.
