Houthis Capture Strategic Island in Red Sea, Threatening Global Shipping
Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have made significant gains in their fight against Saudi Arabia, capturing a strategic island at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The island of Mayun, also known as Perim, is located inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and could give Iran a key advantage in its strategy to drive up world oil and gas prices.
The capture of Mayun comes after a series of attacks by the Houthis on Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. The rebels have been targeting oil tankers and other vessels, forcing Saudi Arabia to find alternative routes for its crude exports.
Saudi officials declined to comment on the developments, but a senior military official with Yemen's internationally recognized government told the AP that they were stunned by the slow response of the Saudi air force. The official blamed 'lack of coordination' between the army and multiple allied militias, saying it gave the Houthis 'a priceless opportunity.'
The fighting has already caused significant disruption to shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, with activity falling by about 60% since the Houthis began attacking some ships in late 2023. The strait is one of the world's key shipping lanes, and its closure could have serious consequences for global trade.
Iran has called for an end to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Houthi-held areas, showing support for its ally. The Iranian Foreign Ministry also called for a return to negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.