Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces have reached the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and captured the nearby coastal town of Dhubab, potentially strengthening their control over one of the world’s key maritime routes, according to Yemeni government sources cited by Reuters.
The Bab el-Mandeb links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a critical route for global trade and energy shipments. Houthi control of Perim and Dhubab could increase the group’s ability to disrupt shipping, adding further pressure to global energy flows already affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The development comes as Saudi Arabia faces growing disruption to its oil exports. The International Energy Agency said Saudi crude supply fell by 2.3 million barrels per day in August to 6 million bpd, its lowest level in more than three decades, citing attacks on energy facilities and shipping routes.
Yemeni government forces have indicated plans for a counter-offensive to retake areas captured by the Houthis, including Mocha and the Hanish Islands. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has sought greater US support, although Washington has reportedly ruled out direct military strikes against the Houthis for now.
The escalation is adding to pressure on global oil markets, with Brent crude trading above $100 a barrel amid concerns over disruptions in both the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb waterways.
