Yemen's Houthi rebels have captured more strategic islands in the southern Red Sea, solidifying their control over a major maritime shipping route, according to Yemeni government and Houthi officials. The rebels have deployed fighters on the Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish islands, located approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The islands were taken after hundreds of government-allied forces withdrew. This development follows the Houthis' seizure last week of the port city of Mokha and the island of Mayun, which lies within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, from Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.
The conflict in Yemen escalated as government forces launched attacks against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels along the Red Sea. In response, the Houthis fired into neighboring Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's government. The Yemeni government has pledged to deploy additional forces to the Red Sea coast, with one official acknowledging a significant defeat following the capture of Mokha and Mayun island.
The intensified conflict, particularly Houthi actions targeting Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping in the Red Sea, could impact global oil supplies and prices, potentially increasing Iran's leverage in its ongoing conflict with the United States. The United Nations estimates that over 80,000 people have been displaced in Yemen by the fighting since the beginning of September, as the impoverished country risks further descent into civil war.