Houthis seize Perim Island, dominate Bab al-Mandeb strait

Houthi fighters entered Perim Island, the landmass that splits the Bab el‑Mandeb strait into two separate shipping lanes, after Yemeni government forces withdrew, thereby completing the group’s takeover of the strategic waterway. The strait, a chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, handles a substantial portion of international maritime traffic, including oil, gas and container shipments.

The capture of Bab el‑Mandeb, combined with Iran’s ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, places roughly one‑third of the world’s seaborne trade under the control of hostile actors. Analysts note that the dual disruption could force rerouting of vessels, increase shipping costs and prompt diplomatic or military responses aimed at safeguarding the affected trade routes.