Houthi Militia reach strategic island at mouth of vital shipping lane

SANAA: The Houthi militia has taken control of the strategically important Mayyun Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to Yemeni official sources, in a development that could further increase tensions around one of the world’s key maritime trade routes.

Yemeni government sources said government forces had withdrawn from the island, allowing the Houthi militia to establish control over the strategic location.

The Houthi militia has also taken control of Dhubab, a key area on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, according to the sources.

Yemeni Forces Announce Airstrikes

Meanwhile, the Yemeni government military said its air force had begun strikes within previously designated kill boxes.

The military warned civilians to avoid travelling on the Taiz-Al-Mokha road and the Al-Mokha-Dhubab route because of the ongoing military operations.

The escalation comes as fighting continues to reshape control of strategically important areas along Yemen’s western coastline.

Saudi-Led Attacks Reported

The Houthi militia’s expansion comes amid continuing Saudi-led military operations in Yemen.

According to the Houthi militia’s Ministry of Health, 82 people have been killed or wounded in Saudi-led attacks since September 3.

The figures have not been independently verified.

Saudi Arabia Seeks US Action

The latest developments also come after reports that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged US President Donald Trump to take action against the Houthi militia.

According to a US news website, the Saudi crown prince spoke with Trump twice on Thursday and raised concerns over the threat posed by the Houthi militia.

US officials reportedly said Trump opposed opening another major military front in Yemen and instead wanted Washington to remain focused on the conflict with Iran.

The United States is reportedly expected to continue supporting regional partners with intelligence and other assistance while concentrating its military resources elsewhere.

Bab al-Mandab Faces Growing Security Risks

Bab al-Mandab is a strategically vital maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean.

The waterway is an important route for international trade and energy shipments, meaning any prolonged disruption could affect shipping, insurance costs, supply chains and global energy markets.

Senior Ansarullah official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti had previously said that the Houthi militia had established control over Bab al-Mandab.

The reported seizure of Mayyun Island and the advance toward the Al-Mokha area could further strengthen the Houthi militia’s position along Yemen’s western coastline and increase concerns over maritime security in the region.