Iran‑backed Houthi rebels announced on Friday, September 11, 2026, that they had taken the strategic island of Perim in the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, four Yemeni government sources told Reuters. The move consolidates the group’s hold over one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors.

Alongside Perim, the Houthis also captured the Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab, which faces the island. Control of these points gives the rebels a direct line to the Saudi East‑West oil pipeline, a lifeline the kingdom has relied on since the Strait of Hormuz was effectively shut by Iranian actions.

If the Houthis secure total dominance of the Bab al‑Mandeb, Tehran could gain a decisive edge in its proxy war with the United States, potentially choking a second major oil transit route and sending global crude prices soaring.

Satellite imagery released on Thursday showed a plume of smoke near Saudi Arabia’s East‑West pipeline. While Riyadh has not confirmed any incident, the visual cue raises concerns about a possible attack or technical failure on the critical infrastructure.

The International Energy Agency reported that Saudi crude output fell by 2.3 million barrels per day in August, reaching a three‑decade low of 6 million barrels per day, partly due to Houthi‑linked attacks on vessels transiting the Bab al‑Mandeb.

Yemen’s internationally recognised government vowed to launch a counter‑offensive to retake the captured territories, deploying weapons and aircraft to neutralise “terrorist” Houthi positions along the Red Sea coast, including the road to the historic port city of Mocha.

Historical Background

The Bab al‑Mandeb Strait has long been a choke point for global trade, funneling millions of barrels of oil and cargo each year. In the 1970s, Saudi Arabia fortified the passage with a naval presence, but recent conflicts have repeatedly threatened its stability.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the Houthis’ advance not only reshapes the Middle‑East power balance but also injects volatility into worldwide energy markets, pressuring both developed and emerging economies.

"Control of Bab al‑Mandeb by the Houthis could become a game‑changer for global oil supply chains," says international security expert Dr. Ali Hassan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Houthis manage to capture Perim Island? The rebels launched a rapid assault using rockets and armored vehicles, overwhelming the minimal defensive forces stationed on the island.

Will this affect Saudi Arabia’s East‑West pipeline? Full Houthi control of the strait could jeopardise the pipeline’s security, forcing Saudi Arabia to seek alternative export routes.