Houthis capture Red Sea islands and launch attacks on Saudi Arabia

Yemen’s Iran‑aligned Houthi movement announced on Monday that it had launched a new wave of attacks against Saudi Arabia, citing a series of missile strikes and drone incursions aimed at military targets in the kingdom. The group also claimed to have seized the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the southern Red Sea, a move that would enhance its control over a vital maritime corridor used by international shipping.

The Houthi statement said the attacks were part of a broader campaign to pressure Saudi Arabia over its involvement in Yemen and to disrupt the flow of goods through the Red Sea. By capturing the Hanish islands, the rebels would gain a foothold that could allow them to monitor and potentially interdict vessels transiting the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a critical chokepoint for global trade. The claim comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with both sides warning of escalating military actions.

Saudi officials have not yet confirmed the extent of the attacks, but the kingdom’s defense ministry has reiterated its readiness to defend its territory and maritime interests. The seizure of the Hanish islands, if verified, would represent a significant shift in the strategic balance of the Red Sea, potentially prompting a reassessment of security measures by regional and international stakeholders.