Houthi Forces Seize Perim Island, Gaining Control Over Nearly Entire Red Sea Coastline

Developments in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

According to ХВИЛЯ: Yemeni Houthi militants have landed on Perim Island, also called Mayyun, successfully completing their advance on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait area and now commanding almost the entire Yemeni coastline along the Red Sea. This shift poses a significant threat to maritime traffic in the strait, a vital passageway responsible for roughly 10% of global sea trade. The Houthis are now capable of targeting vessels with artillery and short-range weapons from the island's vicinity.

Reports from Reuters indicate that the Houthis have also reached the coastal town of Zubaba, situated on the strait’s shore. Prior to the Houthis’ landing, government forces withdrew from Mayyun Island. Strategically located in the center of the strait, Perim Island divides it into two shipping lanes, underscoring its critical role in controlling maritime routes.

Global Market Impact

The Houthis’ dominance over vital maritime corridors is linked to increased pressure from Iran and its allies on two major Middle Eastern chokepoints: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb. This geopolitical tension has contributed to rising oil prices, with Brent crude surpassing $107 per barrel.

As one government official told AFP, “boats carrying armed Houthi fighters reached Mayyun Island after government forces withdrew the day before.”

Amid growing risks to maritime commerce, Saudi Arabia is rerouting increasing volumes of oil through the East-West pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The Houthis’ control threatens this alternate oil route, potentially causing serious disruptions to the global energy supply chain.

The Houthis’ grip on these key sea lanes, especially within the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, highlights escalating regional tensions with far-reaching consequences for the world economy. Given the strait’s pivotal role in international trade, any obstruction could trigger higher prices for oil and other commodities, impacting economic stability worldwide. This situation calls for heightened international vigilance and possibly coordinated responses to address the emerging hazards in this strategically crucial area.