Houthis capture two strategic islands in the Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have seized control of the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea, according to government and Houthi officials. The capture of these strategic islands follows the rebels' recent occupation of the mainland port city of Mokha and the island of Mayun, located within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The Hanish islands are situated approximately 160 kilometers north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime corridor that serves as a primary shipping route. The archipelago was occupied by Houthi fighters after hundreds of government-allied forces withdrew from the area over the weekend.

This territorial expansion strengthens the rebels' position along a critical shipping lane that acts as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is frequently used for international maritime traffic, including the transport of crude oil.

The recent advances by the Houthi rebels have occurred alongside attempts by Saudi-backed government forces to regroup and counter the insurgency in the region. The shift in control over these islands has raised concerns regarding the security of oil shipments moving through the Red Sea.

The escalation of conflict in the area, particularly regarding the security of shipping infrastructure, has drawn attention to the potential impact on global oil supplies and market prices. The increased Houthi presence in the southern Red Sea is viewed by observers as a development that could influence regional geopolitical dynamics.