Houthis Seize Key Red Sea Port and Islands in Yemen

In September 2026, Houthi forces in Yemen took control of the Red Sea port of Mokha and several strategic islands near the Bab al-Mandab strait, including Perim. According to a government official, this gives the Houthis effective control over the entire western coast of Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab shipping lane, a vital chokepoint for global maritime trade.

The move raises concerns about the safety of shipping routes in the region, as the Houthis now hold territory on both sides of the strait. The Bab al-Mandab connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a key passage for oil and goods. No immediate response from international naval forces was reported.