According to news agencies, Yemen's Houthi movement has taken control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait after capturing Perim Island, which overlooks the narrow waterway. The development threatens one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
The Houthi movement has captured Perim Island and taken control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to news agency reports. The development marks the culmination of a rapid advance along Yemen's western coast, placing the Iran-backed group in direct command of one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints, through which approximately 10% of global trade — including much of the oil and LNG shipments from the Persian Gulf to Europe and North America — passes.
The Zioneer reported yesterday evening (Thu Sep 10, 23:17 Jerusalem) that Houthi forces had reached the coastal town of Dubab, seized it, and then captured Perim Island, completing their takeover of the strait. Confirmation came from AFP and Reuters citing Yemeni officials, followed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) boasting that ships are now 'turning off their engines' between the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. The Houthis subsequently declared full official control. Source credibility evolved from initial Yemeni government sources to corroboration by multiple international news agencies.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as a vital artery for global energy shipments. The Houthis have been targeting commercial vessels in the region since late 2023, but this territorial seizure gives them a permanent vantage point to disrupt shipping. No immediate reaction has been reported from the Israeli military or international naval forces.
It remains unclear how the Houthis intend to enforce their control over the strait, and whether naval forces operating in the region will challenge the takeover. No casualties have been reported in the operation.
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