Houthi rebels seize Yemen's Perim Island, raising Bab al-Mandeb threat
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have taken control of the strategic Perim Island in Yemen.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have captured the strategic Perim Island in Yemen. This has raised international concerns regarding the Bab al-Mandab Strait. A day earlier, the Houthis claimed to have gained control over the important port city of Mocha. The Houthis' growing hold in this area of the Red Sea could impact global maritime trade, oil prices, and the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Two officials linked to the Yemeni government told CNN on Friday that the Iran-backed Houthi rebels have captured the strategic Perim Island. This island is located very close to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and its geographical position makes it extremely important from both military and commercial perspectives.
The Houthi rebels claimed a day earlier to have captured the port city of Mocha, located on the shores of the Red Sea. This has raised fears that the Houthis are trying to establish control over large parts of Yemen's western coast.
It is noteworthy that
the Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the major maritime routes in the world. It connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, facilitating large-scale movement of goods between Asia and Europe. This route is linked to the Suez Canal. Therefore, any significant obstruction in the Bab al-Mandab could have repercussions not only limited to Yemen or the Middle East but could also impact the global supply chain.
However, in terms of oil trade, Bab al-Mandab is not as critical as Hormuz, but a large volume of oil and other essential goods passes through here daily.
The strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab has increased amid the ongoing war between Iran and the U.S. After the movement of ships in Hormuz was affected, Saudi Arabia has become more reliant on its export route through the Red Sea. If the Houthis increase their influence over Bab al-Mandab, it could become challenging for Saudi Arabia to maintain the supply of oil and fuel through the Red Sea.
There are concerns that this could directly impact the international oil market. On Thursday, following reports of the Houthis' increasing influence in the Red Sea region, the price of Brent crude rose by nearly 4 percent to reach $105 per barrel. However, on Friday, there was a decline of about 3 percent.
The Houthis had intensified their campaign to capture the Mocha port last month.
A few weeks ago, the Houthis fired over 25 rockets at the port while commercial ships were unloading cargo there.
By Thursday morning, the National Resistance Forces were in control of Mocha. This is a Saudi-backed organization led by Yemen's Vice President Tariq Saleh.
Later, the Houthis claimed to have taken control of Mocha, and reports emerged of their advancing towards other coastal areas.
Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke twice on the phone with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday. According to sources familiar with the matter, the Saudi leadership urged the U.S. to take military action against the Houthis. However, one source indicated that Trump has not yet agreed to an American attack.
The U.S. is already providing intelligence and assistance related to military targets for the Saudi campaign in Yemen. However, the U.S. military is not directly involved in attacks, nor is it assisting Saudi planes with refueling or other direct military operations.
Ahmed Nagi, a senior analyst on Yemen at the International Crisis Group stated that
capturing strategic areas along the Red Sea could provide the Houthis with two major advantages.
First, it would give them an opportunity to increase their influence around Bab al-Mandab. Second, controlling this area would allow them to better secure themselves against potential ground military operations.
Control over Perim Island and Mocha could help the Houthis strengthen their position in the Red Sea and increase pressure over larger parts of Yemen's western coast.
The Houthis' growing influence has raised concerns regarding global maritime trade. If shipping through Bab al-Mandab is disrupted, it could lead to delays and increased costs in transporting goods between Asia and Europe.
However, Houthi officials have dismissed concerns regarding international maritime traffic. The group claims that its targets are only Saudi vessels. Nevertheless, experts believe that the situation could change rapidly. If Bab al-Mandab is effectively closed, the U.S. may have to intervene militarily. This could open a new front in the ongoing conflict with Iran and put additional pressure on U.S. military resources.
Yemen is already among the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Renewed fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces amid the prolonged conflict could exacerbate the difficulties faced by civilians.
Currently, the biggest question is how the Saudi-led coalition responds to the Houthis' increasing control. According to experts, the capture of Perim and Mocha is not the end of the fighting. In the coming days, there could be further changes in the military and political situation around the Red Sea.