The Iran-backed Houthis seized control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast and captured three strategic islands, according to government officials, establishing firm control over a vital shipping corridor linking Europe and Asia. The offensive, which left hundreds dead, compounds international shipping disruptions following an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a Saudi oil pipeline closure.
Bab al-Mandab Strait Seized in Lightning Offensive
Houthi forces completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandab area and Mayyun Island, according to a local official with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government. A government military official reported that the group also seized Greater and Lesser Hanish—the final two islands in the narrow waterway previously outside their control—along with the surrounding coastline. “Everything that was under our control on the western coast has fallen,” the military official stated. A witness observed gunmen deploying along the Bab al-Mandab shore in military vehicles.
Regional Energy and Shipping Disruptions
The territorial losses heighten the Houthis’ capacity to target Saudi tankers, which have faced attacks since July. Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, congratulated the group on what he termed a resounding victory. Farea Al-Muslimi, a research fellow at Chatham House, told AFP that Iran now controls both the Strait of Hormuz and the region’s other primary strategic chokepoint.
Oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel, while average US diesel prices topped $6 for the first time, creating economic pressures. Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree declared that navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait remains safe for all vessels except those belonging to Saudi Arabia.
Did you know? The recent fighting in Yemen’s civil war—which reignited conflict originating from the group’s 2014 takeover of Sanaa—has displaced roughly 46,000 people, according to data released by the UN migration agency.
Saudi Pipeline Attacks Force Precautionary Shutdown
Satellite images captured by Copernicus Sentinel Data showed black smoke near Medina along the route of the East-West pipeline, which transports Saudi oil directly to the Red Sea. The Saudi energy ministry announced that multiple attacks forced the precautionary shutdown of the pipeline, an infrastructure asset increasingly utilized to bypass the blocked Strait of Hormuz. “The pipeline was stopped as a precaution, and the attacks resulted in some injuries,” a ministry official told the SPA news agency.
Before launching the Red Sea campaign, the Houthis already maintained control over significant portions of northern Yemen. The group subsequently advanced through government-held areas in Hodeida and Taiz provinces, capturing the port city of Mocha and Zuqar Island prior to seizing the southern approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who controls the Bab al-Mandab Strait now?
According to Yemeni government officials, Houthi forces have seized control of the Bab al-Mandab area, Mayyun Island, Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, and the surrounding Red Sea coastline.
Why did Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline?
The Saudi energy ministry announced that the pipeline was stopped as a precaution following multiple attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions that resulted in injuries.
How have global markets reacted to the Red Sea offensive?
Oil prices climbed past $100 a barrel following the developments, and average US diesel prices rose above $6 for the first time.
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