Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have captured the strategically important island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, strengthening their control over a key global shipping corridor as the wider Middle East conflict intensifies, four Yemeni government sources told Reuters on Friday.
Two sources from Yemen’s Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government said its forces had pulled out of Perim, while the Houthis had also taken control of Dhubab, a mainland Red Sea coastal town located opposite the island. During their rapid advance this week, the Houthis also seized the Red Sea islands of Hanish and the strategically significant port city of Mocha.
The developments could further disrupt international shipping and energy supplies, with the Bab el-Mandeb serving as a critical maritime link between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
SAUDI OIL PIPELINE HIT BY DRONE ATTACK
Concerns over energy supplies in the Gulf increased after Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended operations on its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline following multiple drone attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions, Saudi state media reported, citing a source in the Saudi energy ministry.
Saudi officials said the drones originated from Iraq but did not identify those responsible. Iraq hosts several militias backed by Iran. Riyadh has so far chosen not to retaliate after receiving a request from the Iraqi prime minister.
The pipeline has become an important alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, transporting an estimated 4 million to 5 million barrels of crude oil daily in recent months. It enables Saudi oil to reach international markets without travelling through the Hormuz Strait.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said the attacks resulted in some injuries and damage, with an assessment still underway. It did not clarify whether the incident had disrupted oil exports.
SAUDI SEEKS US HELP AGAINST HOUTHIS
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with US President Donald Trump at least twice on Thursday as Riyadh sought American military support against the Houthis, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters.
The sources said Washington had informed Saudi Arabia that it was not currently willing to launch direct military operations, but would provide assistance through intelligence and targeting support. A senior US administration official said the United States remained in constant communication with both Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government.
The Houthi offensive comes amid allegations that the group has intensified its attacks under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Reuters reported that Iran had encouraged the Houthis to step up attacks against Saudi Arabia and had promised them additional financial support, weapons and senior military personnel.
Iran publicly considers the Houthis an ally but denies controlling or directing their military activities.
BATTLE FOR BAB EL-MANDEB
Yemeni government forces have signalled plans for a counter-offensive aimed at recovering territories seized by the Houthis along the Red Sea coastline.
Government forces said they would use weapons and aircraft to strike Houthi positions in strategically important locations, including the route leading towards Mocha.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree, meanwhile, said maritime traffic remained secure for all vessels except Saudi ships that are subject to an earlier ban.
The latest escalation comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted following the US-Israel war with Iran. The waterway normally handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas trade, making alternative routes through Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea increasingly important.
The International Energy Agency said Saudi crude production and supply had dropped to their lowest levels in more than 30 years, partly due to attacks by Houthi-linked groups on ships travelling through the Bab el-Mandeb.
Oil prices fell slightly on Friday but were still on course to end the week above $100 a barrel for the first time since mid-May.
