Houthis Capture Strategic Island Near Red Sea, Saudi Air Strikes Follow

Iran-backed Houthis seize key island near Red Sea, prompting Saudi airstrikes. Threat to shipping routes intensifies.

September 11, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Cairo, Egypt — Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have captured a strategically significant island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, raising concerns over the security of global shipping routes through the Red Sea. The move comes after Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Mokha airport, which the Houthis had recently taken control of.

The island, known as Mayun or Perim, is located about 3.5 kilometers off Yemen’s western coast and is a critical point for maritime traffic. The Houthis’ advance has brought them within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Bab el-Mandeb, an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been heavily impacted by Iranian actions.

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Saudi Arabia has responded with air strikes against the rebel-held Mokha airport, though no immediate reports of casualties or damage were released. The capture of the island marks a major territorial gain for the Houthis, who have been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014. The escalating tensions threaten to reignite broader regional instability.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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