ADEN
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have captured Yemen’s Perim Island, a strategic outpost at the mouth of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to military sources. The seizure of the island, also known as Mayyun, has raised alarm across the region as it sits astride one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Government forces confirmed their withdrawal from the island following heavy clashes, but vowed to launch a counteroffensive. “We will deploy weapons and aircraft to retake Perim and secure the Red Sea coast,” a Yemeni military spokesperson said. Coalition aircraft have already carried out strikes on Houthi positions near Mokha and Dhubab, aiming to disrupt rebel supply lines.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait is vital for global trade, with nearly 10 percent of international shipping and Gulf oil exports passing through its narrow waters. Analysts warn that Houthi control of Perim could allow them to threaten commercial vessels, target Saudi oil tankers, and tighten Iran’s influence over global energy flows.
The escalation comes amid wider regional tensions, with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed due to the Iran–U.S. standoff. This has made Bab al-Mandab even more critical as an alternative route for energy shipments. Oil prices have already surged past $100 per barrel, reflecting fears of further disruption.
Humanitarian agencies report that the fighting has displaced more than 20,000 civilians in recent days, while over 500 combatants have been killed. Observers believe Saudi Arabia may intensify military operations to prevent the Houthis from consolidating control, while Iran is expected to leverage the crisis to pressure global powers.
The battle for Perim Island underscores the fragility of Yemen’s conflict and the high stakes for international shipping and regional stability.
