Houthis Seize Perim Island in Bab al-Mandab
Istanbul (ANTARA) - Houthi groups have reportedly seized Perim Island and the town of Dhubab in the Taiz Province of western Yemen, thereby strengthening their control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to Yemeni government military sources on Friday.
Sources speaking on condition of anonymity to Anadolu stated that the Houthis have taken control of the island, known in Arabic as Mayyun.
According to the sources, the takeover of Perim Island signifies that the Houthis have completed their mastery over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
However, as of 10:30 GMT, neither the Houthis nor the Yemeni government had provided official comments regarding the reports of the island’s seizure.
Perim Island holds immense strategic value as it sits in the middle of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, dividing the shipping lane into two separate channels.
The seizure is expected to increase regional and international concerns regarding maritime security and the movement of commercial vessels and energy tankers through Bab al-Mandab.
In related developments, the Yemeni military source stated that the Houthis also captured Dhubab in Taiz Province, causing Yemeni government forces to retreat to Lahij Province in the southwest.
Dhubab is a coastal town facing the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The control of this town further consolidates Houthi authority over this strategic waterway.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as one of the world’s most vital routes for international trade and energy shipments.
The Houthis previously seized the entire western region of Al-Hudaydah Province after entering Hays and Al-Khawkhah. They have also advanced through western Taiz, capturing several Red Sea coastal towns, including Mokha.
Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces are reported to have made progress in Al-Jawf Province, northern Yemen, and are approaching Al-Hazm, the provincial capital.
Fighting also continues on several fronts in Marib, Al-Bayda, and Al-Dhale provinces.
Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since the Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, and several provinces in September 2014. An Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia subsequently intervened in March 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.