Houthi rebels seize Perim Island, tightening control of Bab el-Mandeb shipping lane

Yemen’s Iran‑aligned Houthi rebels seized Perim Island, a strategic outpost in the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait, officials said on Friday. The island sits at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, a chokepoint through which a substantial share of global maritime traffic, including Saudi oil shipments, passes. The capture marks a rapid expansion of Houthi operations and introduces a new front in the broader Iran‑related conflict in the region.

The takeover raises concerns about the security of one of the world’s key shipping lanes, as control of Perim could enable the rebels to disrupt or monitor vessels transiting the strait. Analysts note that any interference with the flow of energy supplies, particularly Saudi crude exports, could have ripple effects on international oil markets. Regional authorities and international navies are expected to assess the situation and consider measures to safeguard navigation through the Bab el‑Mandeb.