Yemen’s Houthis have seized the strategic Mayun Island (also known as Perim Island) as they cement control over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait — the rebels also now control millions of dollars worth of seized US-made military hardware, according to Al Jazeera.

Control Over Key Maritime Route

The capture of Mayun Island marks a significant escalation in the Houthi movement’s efforts to dominate the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The island is located near the strait, which is a central route for global oil shipments and commercial trade; the Houthi takeover of the island could complicate international shipping and raise concerns about disruptions in trade.

Al Jazeera reported that the Houthi rebels have now expanded their influence in the region, having previously seized control of several other islands and coastal areas. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, with about 3.8 million barrels of oil passing through it daily, according to the International Energy Agency.

Seized US-Made Equipment

In addition to seizing the island, the Houthis have also taken control of millions of dollars worth of US-made military hardware — this includes advanced weaponry and equipment that were previously held by Yemeni government forces supported by a US-led international coalition. The exact value of the seized hardware has not been disclosed, but it is understood to be significant.

A Houthi official confirmed the capture of the island and the seizure of the military assets, according to Al Jazeera. The official stated that the move was part of the group’s broader strategy to strengthen its military capabilities and assert control over key strategic locations in the Red Sea.

Several countries have expressed concern over the Houthi expansion, particularly the United States and its regional allies — the United States has previously warned of the potential for the Houthis to use the Bab al-Mandeb Strait for attacks or to disrupt shipping traffic. A US State Department spokesperson said that the situation remains under close monitoring, according to a statement released earlier this week.

Regional Implications

The Houthi takeover of Mayun Island has raised concerns among regional and international actors about the group’s growing influence and its potential to destabilize the region. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a key security concern for several countries, including Saudi Arabia, which is a major player in the region and a key US ally.

Saudi Arabia has not issued a formal statement on the Houthi move, but analysts suggest that the country is likely to be closely monitoring the situation. The Saudi government has previously engaged in military operations in Yemen to counter Houthi influence, and the latest developments could prompt a reevaluation of its strategy in the region.

International organizations, including the United Nations, have also called for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The UN has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring the safe passage of humanitarian aid in the country, which has been plagued by years of conflict and economic hardship.

While the Houthi movement has not explicitly stated its long-term plans for Mayun Island, the strategic location of the island suggests that it could be used as a military outpost or a base for further operations. This could have broader implications for regional security and stability, particularly given the island’s proximity to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

As the situation continues to develop, the international community will likely be watching closely to see how the Houthi movement uses its new position and what steps, if any, regional and global powers take in response. The capture of Mayun Island is another example of the Houthi movement’s growing military and strategic presence in the region.