Houthis seize Perim Island to block key strait, Reuters reports

Houthis seize Perim

Four Yemeni government sources told Reuters that the Houthis had seized Perim Island. The move could potentially strengthen the Houthis' control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Earlier, two sources from Yemen's Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government said its forces had withdrawn from Perim. The sources also said the Houthis had seized the town of Dhubab on the Red Sea coast, directly opposite the island.

If the Houthis gain full control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, it could give their backer Iran a decisive advantage in its war with the United States, Reuters said.

The potential consequences include:

• reduced shipments through another major transit corridor;
• a sharp rise in oil prices.

Saudi Arabia has relied on the Red Sea route since the conflict with Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.

Yemeni government plans counteroffensive

Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces said they would try to retake areas seized by the Houthis along the Red Sea coast this week.

They said they would deploy weapons and aircraft to eliminate any movements by "terrorist" Houthi militias.

Iran supports the Houthis

Reuters reported on Thursday that the Houthis' advance along the Red Sea coast came under direct orders from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources said Iran was seeking to open a new front in Tehran's war against the United States.

Last week, Iran ordered the Houthis to step up attacks on Saudi Arabia, a close US ally, and promised additional funding, weapons and senior officers to help them, two Iranian sources said.

Although Iran describes the Houthis as an ally, it publicly denies giving them military orders.