Iran-backed Houthis seize near control of vital Bab el-Mandeb shipping lane

Summary

Reuters reports that Iran-backed Houthi forces captured or reached Yemen’s Perim island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and seized nearby mainland areas, including Dhubab, Mocha, and the Hanish islands, according to Yemeni government sources. The reported advance could give the Houthis and Iran leverage over a major maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The article says the Strait of Hormuz has already been effectively closed during the wider US-Iran war, disrupting a route that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Saudi Arabia has consequently depended more heavily on Red Sea routes, although Houthi-linked attacks have also affected that corridor. Reuters says satellite imagery showed smoke near Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, which was reportedly shut temporarily after attacks, but Saudi authorities had not independently confirmed the incident. The International Energy Agency reportedly recorded Saudi crude supply at six million barrels per day in August, down 2.3 million barrels per day from the previous month. Oil prices remained above $100 per barrel for the week. Ship traffic through Hormuz also declined sharply. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said shipping remained safe except for Saudi vessels, while Yemeni government forces announced plans for a counteroffensive. Sources also alleged Iranian Revolutionary Guard direction and additional support, claims Iran publicly denies. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly requested US military assistance, but Washington favored intelligence and targeting support rather than direct intervention.