Yemen’s Houthi rebels have captured additional islands in the Red Sea, including the Hanish archipelago, strengthening their control of key shipping routes and prompting the displacement of over 80,000 people in two weeks of fighting. The islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish fell after hundreds of government-allied forces withdrew, adding to Houthi control of Mokha and Perim Island, strategically located within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strait, a crucial passage for oil shipments and cargo traffic connecting the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea, has become increasingly important amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been escalating attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and Red Sea shipping for over a month, increasing pressure on global oil prices and bolstering Iran’s leverage. In addition to seizing the islands, the Houthis have launched a fresh barrage of missile and drone attacks on Saudi military targets on Monday, injuring two people and damaging buildings near the Yemen border. The Saudi Civil Defence reported a Houthi projectile caused damage to a mosque and several other buildings.
The internationally recognized Yemeni government vows to regroup after the Houthi advance, which began after a UN truce ended in July when the Houthis allowed an Iranian plane to land in defiance of Saudi control of Yemeni airspace. The Houthis came to power in late 2014 after storming Sana’a and seizing key sites, forcing the Yemeni government into exile. Left outlets emphasize the humanitarian impact of the fighting, with over 80,000 displaced, while right-leaning coverage focuses on the threat to global shipping and the escalation of regional conflict. Not in dispute is the Houthis’ increasing control over vital Red Sea waterways.
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