Iran-backed Houthis seize strategic Mayun Island: Can they hold it? | US-Israel war on Iran News
Houthi Forces Capture Mayun Island, Solidifying Strategic Position in Red Sea
Houthi forces have asserted control over Mayun Island, also known as Perim, enhancing their influence along the eastern coast of the Red Sea and securing a critical position in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The takeover was confirmed on Friday by a senior military official from Yemen’s internationally recognized government as well as a Houthi spokesperson, according to The Associated Press. Analysts view this development as a significant military advancement that could alter the balance of power in Yemen’s ongoing conflict with Saudi-backed forces while potentially benefiting Iran in its broader regional objectives.
Importance of Mayun Island
Mayun Island, covering an area of approximately 13 square kilometers (five square miles), is strategically located in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the narrow southern access point to the Red Sea. In 2021, the Saudi-led coalition declared a presence on the island amid reports of a United Arab Emirates-linked airbase being established there. However, the UAE’s withdrawal from the Yemen conflict at the end of 2022 raised questions about the current status of the airbase.
The island’s control is pivotal, as it divides the Bab al-Mandeb into two maritime channels, providing the Houthis with a physical outpost in this vital shipping route. The Bab al-Mandeb Strait serves as a critical artery for global trade, linking maritime traffic to the Suez Canal.
Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to geopolitical tensions in March, the relevance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait for shipping has intensified. The Houthis also maintain control over adjacent territories, including Hanish Island and the entire Red Sea coastline of Yemen. Reports indicate that Houthi forces captured the port city of Mocha earlier this week, further consolidating their position.
Wolfgang Pusztai, a security and defense analyst, noted that the Houthis’ control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast gives them a “real capability to shut down any maritime traffic” through the Bab al-Mandeb if they choose to do so. This advantage could significantly impact their ongoing conflict with Saudi-supported government forces.
Implications for Global Shipping
The Houthis have publicly stated that commercial shipping in the Red Sea remains safe from attacks, with the exception of vessels linked to Saudi Arabia, which they plan to blockade. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree emphasized a strategy of “siege for siege” in response to Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Houthi-controlled areas.
Nevertheless, the Houthis have previously targeted non-Saudi vessels in the region. Between November 2023 and mid-2025, they launched over 100 attacks on commercial ships, asserting that these were directed at vessels associated with Israel or its allies, although some targets appeared unrelated to the conflict.
With their new positioning, the Houthis might find it easier to expand their targeting to include more vessels. Pusztai remarked that this shift could lead to a situation where they use shorter-range missiles, increasing risks for shipping in the strait. Any disruption to Red Sea shipping could have significant consequences for the global energy market, as noted by economist Javed Hassan.
Futures at Risk
The Houthis’ ability to maintain control of Mayun Island may depend on the response of Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. Reports suggest that these forces quickly retreated as the Houthis advanced. Andreas Krieg, an associate professor at King’s College London, indicated that while the Houthis are well-positioned to hold the island in the short term, defending it against a possible amphibious assault would be challenging.
Outside observers attribute the Houthis’ rapid gains to a lack of coordination among government forces, despite efforts to strengthen them through Saudi support. U.S. President Donald Trump, during a recent visit to Ireland, commented on the Houthis’ reluctance to engage the U.S. military directly, saying they prefer to manage maritime traffic, with concerns primarily directed at Saudi vessels.
As events unfold, the implications for the Houthi movement, regional dynamics, and international shipping routes remain critical areas of interest.
