Iran-backed Houthis seize entire Yemeni coastline and strategic Bab al-Mandeb islands
The Houthi rebel group has captured the last remaining towns along Yemen's Red Sea coast and moved onto islands in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, according to government sources and witnesses. The rapid advance gives the Houthis full control over the key waterway, which serves as an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Iran conflict. No official confirmation has yet come from the Houthi government in Sanaa.
The offensive began with the capture of Mocha at dawn on Thursday, followed by a push onto Mayyun Island after government troops withdrew. Local sources also confirmed the seizure of the Al-Omari camp overlooking the strait, though the Houthi administration in Sanaa has yet to issue an official statement.
This territorial gain directly impacts global energy markets, as the waterway serves as a vital alternative for crude shipments to Europe, bypassing the blocked Strait of Hormuz. With no apparent counteroffensive planned by Yemeni forces, the rebels now hold significant leverage over Red Sea traffic, a factor already reflected in rising US diesel and global oil prices.
The Houthi consolidation of Bab al-Mandeb could significantly disrupt global energy supply chains, potentially driving fuel costs higher for consumers worldwide. It may also embolden Iran's regional strategy, as Tehran already pressures the US through Hormuz. For Yemen's civilian population, this shift could deepen the humanitarian crisis, as the internationally recognized government loses further ground. The lack of a credible counteroffensive suggests the rebels' strategic position may remain unchallenged for the foreseeable future, affecting maritime security and international trade routes.