Yemen's Houthis Seize Strategic Islands in Southern Red Sea
Yemen's Houthi forces have gained control of strategic islands in the southern Red Sea, placing new pressure on global maritime trade and global oil shipments in the region.
Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen have taken control of critical islands in the southern Red Sea, increasing their dominance over international maritime trade routes and posing a threat to global energy shipments.
Control of Critical Islands in the Red Sea
Militias belonging to the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen have gained control of strategic islands in the southern Red Sea, according to statements made by government and Houthi officials on Monday.
Military Deployment to the Hanish Islands
Following the withdrawal of hundreds of pro-government forces from the archipelago, Houthi fighters were deployed to the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, located 160 kilometers north of the Bab el-Mandeb.
Maritime Transport and Regional Threats
These new territorial gains increase the capacity to threaten Saudi Arabia's crude oil shipments while continuing to exert pressure on global oil supplies and prices.
Counter-Move by Government Forces
Forces of the internationally recognized government attempted to reorganize over the weekend, and the Yemeni military announced late Sunday that they were advancing toward the strategic town of Dhubab, north of the strait.