Houthi rebels capture Perim Island in Bab al-Mandab strait

Yemen’s Iran‑aligned Houthi rebels seized Perim Island – also known as Mayyun – on Friday, a move that completes their campaign to dominate the Bab al‑Mandab strait area. The island sits in the middle of the narrow waterway that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, a crucial maritime corridor linking Asia and Europe. A local government official and eyewitnesses confirmed the takeover, describing the operation as the final step in the rebels’ effort to control the strategic passage.

Perim’s location makes it a pivotal point for international shipping, and its capture raises concerns about the security of one of the world’s busiest trade routes. Analysts note that the Houthi control of the island could enable the group to monitor and potentially disrupt vessel traffic through the strait, complicating navigation for commercial and military ships alike. The development highlights the expanding influence of the Iran‑aligned rebels in the Red Sea and underscores heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.