The Iran-backed Houthi movement has seized the Greater Hanish, Lesser Hanish, and Zaqar islands in the Red Sea, according to Abu Ali Express. The strategic islands provide the group greater control over vessel movements near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The report follows Thursday coverage by The Zioneer of the islands falling under control of Yemeni armed forces aligned with the Houthis.
The Iran-backed Houthi movement has confirmed the seizure of the Greater Hanish, Lesser Hanish, and Zaqar islands in the Red Sea, according to Abu Ali Express. The strategic islands, located near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, provide the group tighter control over vessel movements in one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.
The confirmation builds on earlier reporting by The Zioneer. At 16:35 Jerusalem, initial reports indicated that Houthi forces had seized the Hanish Islands and landed on Mayun Island during an amphibious operation. Moments later, The Zioneer confirmed that the Greater and Lesser Hanish Islands were under full Houthi control. The current report adds Zaqar island and names the Houthis directly as the seizing force.
The Houthi advance along Yemen's Red Sea coast has been rapid today. As The Zioneer reported earlier in the day, the group captured the strategic port city of Mocha and, in a later update, seized the Al-Omari military base and the Zubayr airport runway, bringing its forces to within 30 kilometers of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
It remains unclear whether the islands were contested or captured without resistance. The status of Mayun Island, where Houthi forces had reportedly landed but not fully captured, has not been addressed in the latest report. No immediate reaction from the Saudi-led coalition or international partners has been reported.
3 developments
- DevelopingHouthi capture of Camp Khalid, Hayz reshapes Red Sea security balance, analysis finds
- StrongHouthis reportedly land on Perim Island, tightening grip on Bab el-Mandeb
- StrongHouthis vow to continue naval campaign, target Saudi oil tankers in northern Red Sea
- DevelopingYemeni National Resistance Navy thwarts Houthi boat approach to Zuqar Island in Red Sea
Source and signal
- Open-source intake