Houthis Seize Vital Shipping Route, Threatening Global Oil Supplies
The Houthis have taken control of the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, widening their grip on a vital global shipping route. The group has also captured the mainland Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab and seized the last two islands not under their control in the strait, Greater and Lesser Hanish.
This development could give Iran a significant advantage in its war with the US by reducing supplies through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Saudi-backed government has relied on this route since the Iran conflict effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which is on the opposite side of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Houthi military spokesman said navigation through the strait is 'safe' for all but Saudi Arabia, while Yemen's internationally recognised government forces indicated they would try to retake areas captured by the Houthis. US President Donald Trump rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to launch strikes against the Houthis.