Houthis claim capture of Bab el-Mandeb Strait, control of Red Sea

Houthi forces have achieved a significant strategic breakthrough along Yemen's southwestern coast, effectively asserting control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to reports from the Gplanet website and regional channels, Houthi operatives entered the maritime control tower responsible for monitoring ship traffic through the strait. Video footage accompanying the reports suggests that the facility was abandoned by local forces without a fight, allowing the Iran-backed group to seize the position and its equipment.

Strategic Collapse and Territorial Gains

This latest advance marks the culmination of a rapid offensive that has seen the Houthi movement consolidate its grip on the Red Sea's southern entrance. As The Zioneer reported earlier, the group had already secured the strategic Dhubab area and Mayyun (Perim) Island on Friday. The capture of the control tower and the surrounding Dhubab district provides the Houthis with direct oversight of one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints. Reports indicate that the group has seized significant military hardware, including tanks, armored vehicles, and technicals equipped with machine guns, abandoned by retreating coalition-aligned militias.

Analysis: A Shift to Direct Maritime Control

The transition from long-range missile and drone attacks to direct territorial control of the strait represents a major escalation. By holding the mainland coast and central islands, the Houthis can now deploy short-range assets—such as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), naval mines, and suicide boats—which are significantly harder for international maritime coalitions to intercept than ballistic missiles. This territorial grip allows Iran, through its Houthi proxy, to exert immediate pressure on global trade and Israeli energy security.

Regional Implications

The apparent lack of resistance from Saudi-backed forces has drawn sharp criticism from regional analysts, who point to a breakdown in the coalition-backed security architecture in western Yemen. The international community, particularly Israel and regional powers, will view this development with extreme concern as it formalizes the Houthi ability to enforce a blockade on the waterway. The Zioneer will continue to monitor the deployment of Houthi assets to these new positions and the potential response from the Saudi-led maritime coalition.