In brief
The Yemen Houthi movement has claimed a major advance by capturing Perim Island, a critical chokepoint at the mouth of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, following their earlier seizure of Mokha. This consolidation gives them direct control over the western Red Sea corridor, a key artery for oil shipments to Asia. Despite claims of no threat to global shipping, the Houthis have reiterated a willingness to target Saudi vessels. US President Donald Trump has been urged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to act, but so far the United States has offered only intelligence support. The conflict’s escalation has dislocated nearly 46,000 civilians and has accelerated global oil prices to a $100‑a‑barrel benchmark.
Houthis Secure Strategic Chokepoint in the Red Sea
The Iran‑backed Houthi movement has taken Perim Island, a small landmass at the narrowest part of the Bab al‑Mandab Strait. This move follows their recent capture of the port city of Mokha, giving the group a foothold along the entire western Red Sea coast. By controlling Perim, the Houthis effectively monitor or block vessels passing between the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
Sources close to Yemen’s internationally recognised government reported the Houthi takeover on 11 September, a day after Saudi‑backed pro‑government forces withdrew from the island. Official statements from the Houthi military describe the operation as a “success” and issue a warning to Saudi vessels about potential threats.
The strategic importance of the island is amplified by the recent closures of the nearby Strait of Hormuz, whose incidents have already strained global oil markets. Saudi Arabia relies heavily on the Red Sea corridor for shipping fuel to Asian markets, and the new Houthi presence raises uncertainty for shipping companies that rely on safe navigation through the area.
In light of the troops’ rapid advance, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has pressed U.S. President Donald Trump to mount a military response. Trump has declined direct engagement, opting instead to provide intelligence and targeting assistance. A senior administration official confirmed that U.S. officials maintain continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government to preserve regional stability.
The conflict has displaced approximately 46,000 people, as stated by the International Organization for Migration. The exodus is growing “alarmingly” each hour, with many families fleeing multiple times for little shelter or security. The Houthi offensive, which began in the southwestern province of Taiz, has inflicted hundreds of casualties among pro‑government forces and intensified the humanitarian crisis.
The escalation in Yemen, combined with broader U.S.–Iran tensions, has contributed to a sharp rise in oil prices, pushing them back to a $100‑a‑barrel high not seen since July. It remains unclear how governments, shipping firms, and the United States will navigate the new maritime threat posed by the Houthis’ strengthened position in the Bab al‑Mandab Strait.
