Houthis Seize Key Yemeni Island Near Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Usagevpn.com – Houthis seize key Yemeni island Mayyun, also known as Perim, after government troops withdrew from the strategic outpost in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The volcanic island sits at the narrowest point of a major shipping route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Mayyun divides the strait into two navigable channels, making control of the island significant for vessels travelling between Asian markets, Europe and the Suez Canal. A local government official said Houthi forces had secured the island and the surrounding Bab el-Mandeb area.
“Boats carrying armed Houthi fighters reached Mayyun Island after government forces withdrew from it yesterday.”
Offensive expands along Yemen’s coast
The seizure followed a rapid offensive along Yemen’s western coastline. In about 18 hours, Houthi forces also captured the town of Dhubab and the coastal village of Murad, extending their reach on the Red Sea shore.
Government military sources said Houthi fighters had surrounded troops stationed on the Hanish Islands. The group had earlier taken Zuqar Island, the largest of the three principal islands in the Red Sea archipelago north of Bab el-Mandeb.
More than 2,000 government soldiers may be affected by the siege on the Hanish Islands. Officials said their condition was unclear, though they believed the troops had been told to surrender and had requested rescue, food, water and air support.
On Thursday, Houthi fighters captured Mokha, a strategic Red Sea port city. Military sources said the operation against Zuqar involved rocket fire and a ground assault launched from boats. Videos appearing to show Houthi celebrations and abandoned equipment in Mokha circulated online, but could not be independently verified.
Why Bab el-Mandeb matters for global trade
The Bab el-Mandeb strait is a crucial maritime chokepoint between Yemen and the Horn of Africa. Its Arabic name means “Gate of Tears,” and it forms part of the sea route connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz handle more than a quarter of global seaborne trade in crude oil and petroleum products. The Red Sea carries almost one-third of worldwide container traffic, so disruption can affect energy markets, insurers, retailers and consumers worldwide.
Before the latest advance, the Houthis controlled roughly one-third of Yemen and had previously targeted ships in the waterway. Houthis seize key Yemeni island territory at a time when concerns remain over the security and cost of commercial shipping through the Red Sea.
Shipping assurances, but not for Saudi vessels
Houthi political figures said international trade routes through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb would remain open. Hazem al-Assad, a member of the group’s politburo, said there was no reason for international concern over navigation from the Yemeni side.
“Freedom of navigation and international trade in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab are safe and orderly.”
However, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree later said Saudi vessels were excluded from that assurance. The distinction leaves commercial operators assessing the practical risks despite statements that wider navigation remains safe.
FAQ: What does the Mayyun Island takeover mean?
Where is Mayyun Island?
Mayyun Island lies in Yemen’s Bab el-Mandeb strait, between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is also known as Perim Island.
Why is Mayyun Island strategically important?
The island is positioned near the narrowest part of the strait and separates its shipping lanes. Its location gives its controller influence over a route used by oil tankers, cargo ships and container vessels.
Are commercial ships still allowed through Bab el-Mandeb?
Houthi officials said freedom of navigation and international trade would remain protected, while stating that Saudi ships were banned. Shipping companies and crews must continue to monitor official security guidance and route-specific risk assessments.
