CAIRO – Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have made significant territorial gains by capturing the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the southern Red Sea, according to statements from both government and Houthi officials on Monday. This development enhances the Houthis’ control over a vital maritime shipping route, which has far-reaching implications for regional security and global oil markets.
The islands, located approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, have become a focal point of contention as Saudi-backed government forces have struggled to mount an effective counteroffensive. The recent capture occurred amidst an attempted rally by these forces over the weekend, following the Houthis’ rapid advances in the area.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as an essential alternative shipping route to the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian threats to maritime security have increased. The Houthis’ recent gains pose a direct risk to Saudi crude oil shipments, which have increasingly turned to the Red Sea for transport. This shift not only raises concerns for regional stability but also places additional pressure on global oil supplies and prices, potentially providing Iran with leverage in its ongoing conflicts with the United States.
Following the withdrawal of hundreds of government-allied forces from the Hanish islands, Houthi fighters have taken control, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict. This territorial acquisition comes on the heels of last week’s seizure of the port city of Mokha and the island of Mayun, which lies within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. These developments bring the Houthis alarmingly close—just 20 miles (32 kilometers)—to a U.S. military base located in Djibouti, across the strait.
The lack of resistance from the internationally recognized Yemeni government forces during these advances has been notable. However, there are indications that these forces are attempting to regroup, as they announced a push towards the strategic town of Dhubab, situated to the north of the strait.
The recent escalation in fighting signals a troubling shift as Yemen appears to be sliding back into a full-blown civil war. This comes after a period of relative calm over the past three years, during which a truce had largely maintained peace. The renewed hostilities underscore the complexities of the conflict, which involves multiple factions and regional power struggles, making it a focal point of international concern.
