Houthis seize Perim island, tighten grip on key Red Sea shipping route
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have seized the strategic island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, tightening their grip on a crucial global shipping route as the Middle East war widens, four Yemeni government sources told Reuters on Friday.
Two sources from Yemen's Saudi-backed, internationally recognised government said government forces had withdrawn from Perim and that the Houthis had also captured the mainland Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab, which faces the island. The Houthis also seized the Red Sea islands of Hanish and the key coastal city of Mocha during their rapid advance this week.
The developments could put further pressure on global shipping and energy supplies, with the Bab el-Mandeb serving as a vital gateway between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.SAUDI OIL PIPELINE HIT BY DRONE ATTACK
Adding to concerns over Gulf energy flows, Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline after several drone attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions, Saudi state media reported, citing a source at the Saudi energy ministry.
Saudi officials said the drones came from Iraq, but did not identify those responsible. Iraq is home to several Iranian-backed militias. Riyadh has so far refrained from retaliation following a request from the Iraqi prime minister.
The pipeline has emerged as a crucial alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, carrying an estimated 4 million to 5 million barrels of oil per day in recent months. The route allows Saudi crude to reach global markets without passing through Hormuz.
The Saudi foreign ministry said the attack caused some injuries and damage, which was still being assessed. It did not specify whether oil exports had been affected.SAUDI SEEKS US HELP AGAINST HOUTHIS
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called US President Donald Trump at least twice on Thursday to seek US military assistance against the Houthis, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The sources said Washington had told Riyadh that it was not prepared to take direct military action for now, but would assist with intelligence sharing and targeting. A senior US administration official said Washington remained in continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government.
The Houthi advance comes as the group faces accusations of escalating attacks under guidance from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Reuters reported that Iran had urged the Houthis to intensify attacks on Saudi Arabia and promised additional funding, weapons and senior officers.
Iran publicly describes the Houthis as an ally but denies directing their military operations.BATTLE FOR BAB EL-MANDEB
Yemeni government forces have indicated they plan to launch a counter-offensive to retake areas captured by the Houthis along the Red Sea coast.
Government forces said they would deploy weapons and aircraft to target Houthi positions in strategic areas, including the road leading to Mocha.
The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, meanwhile said maritime navigation remained safe for all vessels except Saudi ships covered by an earlier ban.
The escalation comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted following the US-Israel war with Iran. The strait normally carries around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, increasing the importance of alternative routes through Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea.
The International Energy Agency said Saudi crude supply had fallen to its lowest level in more than three decades, partly because of attacks on ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb by Houthi-linked groups.
Oil prices dipped on Friday but remained on track to finish the week above USD100 a barrel for the first time since mid-May.- EndsPublished By: Zafar ZaidiPublished On: Sep 12, 2026 04:27 IST
