The Houthi movement on Friday captured the strategic Red Sea port town of Murad and the island of Mayyun, completing its takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to news agencies and the group's own announcements. The entire eastern bank of the strait is now under Houthi control, placing one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints in the hands of the Iran-backed movement.
The Houthi capture of Murad and Mayyun island caps a rapid coastal offensive that has shifted the balance of power over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The port town of Murad and the island of Mayyun — which together command the strait's southern approach — were seized early Friday morning, according to Houthi-linked channels and a local official quoted by AFP. By midday, Houthi media declared that the entire eastern bank of the strait was under their control.
This development confirms what The Zioneer assessed last week: that a Houthi-held coastline would enable a full blockade of the strait using basic weapons. The takeover follows the capture of the strategic port of Mocha on September 10, as The Zioneer reported, and the collapse of Saudi-backed government forces along the western Yemen coast.
Regional media, including Israeli Channel 14, noted that the advance proceeded without U.S. military intervention, after President Trump reportedly declined to commit forces to defend the strait. That refusal was cited by some outlets as a factor enabling the Houthi offensive, though the territorial gains flow directly from the group's military momentum.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a vital chokepoint for global oil and trade. With the Houthis now controlling its eastern shore, the group can threaten or block shipping using anti-ship missiles, drones, naval mines, and suicide boats. The immediate impact on maritime traffic and the response of the Saudi-led coalition remain unclear.
10 developments
- StrongHouthi capture of Bab el-Mandeb coast could enable full strait blockade, The Zioneer assesses
- DevelopingHouthis deploy missiles, drones near Bab el-Mandeb, await orders to block strait, new report says
- DevelopingHouthi official threatens to close Bab el-Mandeb, says Iran will shut Hormuz if US pushes Saudi war
- DevelopingIsrael strikes Iran, reports of Houthi threat to close Bab el-Mandeb
Source and signal
- Open-source intake