Yemen’s Houthis reach strategic island at mouth of vital shipping lane
Summary
Yemen’s Houthis have reached the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, tightening their grip on a vital shipping lane and raising fresh concerns for global energy markets. Yemeni government forces say they will try to mount a counter-offensive as regional tensions deepen and the US resists Saudi calls for direct strikes.
Key Points
- Yemen’s Houthis reached Perim island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with reports that they also seized the mainland town of Dhubab and other nearby areas.
- Control of the strait could give Iran a strategic advantage and further threaten global oil and shipping routes.
- Yemeni government forces said they plan to retake captured areas and deploy weapons and aircraft against the Houthis.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged Donald Trump to strike the Houthis, but Trump rejected the request.
