English
Yemen’s Houthi rebel movement has seized control of a strategically vital island in the Bab el Mandeb Strait, tightening its grip on one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes. At the same time, drone strikes inside Saudi Arabia forced the shutdown of a major oil pipeline, raising fresh fears of a deepening energy crisis and a return to full-scale war in the region.
Houthis Seize Key Island and Coastal Territory
Houthi forces captured Perim, also known as Mayun, an island positioned at the center of the Bab el Mandeb Strait. Multiple news agencies reported the seizure, citing several sources. The capture came just one day after Houthi fighters took the historic port city of Mocha.
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Following those gains, Houthi forces advanced on the strategic coastal town of Dhubab. Forces loyal to the Saudi-backed, internationally recognized Yemeni government appeared to withdraw from Perim without mounting significant resistance. Together, these moves effectively completed a rapid Houthi push to control Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline.
The Bab el Mandeb Strait serves as a critical gateway between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It links major European and Asian trade routes and carries a significant share of global oil shipments. Houthi dominance over this waterway represents a major strategic gain for the group and a significant boost for its backers in Iran.
Drone Strikes Force Saudi Pipeline Shutdown
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia confirmed that drone strikes forced the shutdown of its East-West oil pipeline. The country’s energy ministry confirmed the closure on Friday. Saudi officials said the drones originated from Iraq.
Saudi Arabia said it would not retaliate immediately, following a direct request from Iraq’s prime minister. However, the kingdom reserved the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and critical infrastructure, according to a Saudi foreign ministry statement.
Iraq moved quickly to address the incident. An Iraqi military commander was dismissed early on Saturday after investigations confirmed that the drone attacks on Saudi Arabia originated from Iraqi territory. Iraq’s prime minister’s office issued a statement confirming the dismissal.
U.S. Military Involvement and Broader Conflict
The United States military is actively helping Saudi counterparts develop and coordinate targets inside Yemen. A U.S. official and a person familiar with the matter confirmed this involvement. Saudi Arabia had previously vowed a firm response to ongoing hostilities.
The Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition have been fighting a civil war since 2014. The conflict had simmered for years before erupting into intense fighting again in recent weeks. Analysts and officials now warn of a possible return to all-out war.
The timing adds serious pressure to global energy markets. Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, has increasingly relied on the Red Sea route since disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz began after the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran in late February. Roughly 20% of the world’s oil previously passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
Therefore, if the Houthis also succeed in threatening shipping through the Bab el Mandeb Strait, global oil supplies could face disruption across two major waterways simultaneously. Experts warn this scenario could significantly deepen the world’s existing energy crisis and hand Iran powerful new strategic leverage in its broader conflict with the United States.
