The Iran-backed Houthi movement is advancing south along Yemen's Red Sea coast toward Dhubab, with unofficial reports that forces have landed on Perim (Mayyun) Island, according to Abu Ali Express. Perim sits at the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, just 21 km from the opposite shore — control would allow the Houthis to block shipping with basic military means. The move follows the group's capture of Mocha and Al-Omari base earlier Thursday.
Unconfirmed reports from Abu Ali Express indicate that Houthi forces have landed on Perim (Mayyun) Island, the Yemeni island at the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, just 21 km from the African shore. If confirmed, the landing would extend Houthi control to a position from which they could interdict maritime traffic with basic military means, effectively tightening their stranglehold on the critical chokepoint.
The reported landing comes after a day of rapid Houthi gains along Yemen's Red Sea coast. At 14:03 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported the capture of the strategic port city of Mocha, the first major port to fall to the Iran-backed movement. At 16:05, The Zioneer reported the seizure of the Al-Omari military base and Zubayr airport, placing Houthi forces 30 km from the Bab el-Mandeb. Earlier Thursday morning, at 04:31 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported initial Houthi advances into Mocha and the surrounding area, with Yemeni government officials later confirming the capture to Reuters.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serving as the primary route for Israeli trade with Asia. The Zioneer has documented how Iran-backed Houthi forces, using anti-ship missiles, loitering munitions, and naval mines, have repeatedly targeted commercial vessels, forcing major shipping companies to reroute.
The reports of a landing on Perim remain unconfirmed by independent sources, and neither the Houthis nor their Saudi-backed adversaries have issued official statements. The Zioneer is tracking the situation.
10 developments
- DevelopingHouthis seize Hanish Islands group, tightening grip on Red Sea shipping lanes
- StrongHouthis declared naval siege on Bab el-Mandeb last week, sparking Saudi confrontation
- StrongHouthis capture three villages and strategic heights in southward Red Sea coast advance
- DevelopingHouthis deploy missiles, drones near Bab el-Mandeb, await orders to block strait, new report says
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