Media: Houthis reach island at Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces have reached the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, potentially tightening their control over one of the world’s key shipping routes, Yemeni government sources have told Reuters.

Two sources from the Saudi-backed, internationally recognised Yemeni government said government forces had withdrawn from Perim and that the Houthis had also captured the Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab, which faces the island.

Control of the Bab el-Mandeb could give Iran, which backs the Houthis, a significant advantage in its war with the United States by threatening another major maritime route for energy supplies.

Saudi Arabia has relied on the Red Sea route since the conflict in Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil supplies previously flowed. Oil prices were on course to finish the week above $100 a barrel for the first time since mid-May.

Yemeni government forces have indicated they will seek to retake territory captured by the Houthis in their rapid offensive along the Red Sea coast. They said they would deploy weapons and aircraft against Houthi forces in strategic areas, including the road leading to Mocha, which the group captured on September 10 along with the Red Sea islands of Hanish.

Fighting has intensified in recent days as the Houthis have shifted their focus towards Yemen’s long coastline. Reuters reported that their advance had received direct guidance from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, according to Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources. Iran has publicly denied directing the group.

Saudi Arabia has carried out strikes against Houthi targets but has not intervened directly in the strategic areas seized this week.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called US President Donald Trump twice on September 10 and urged him to launch strikes against the Houthis, Axios reported, citing two US officials.

Trump rejected the request, with US officials saying the administration did not currently intend to take direct military action against the Houthis.

Gulf foreign ministers are also expected to meet Iran’s foreign minister in Oman on September 14 as part of efforts to reach a temporary arrangement governing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported.

By Aghakazim Guliyev