Houthis reportedly seize Perim Island, a strategic chokepoint in the Red Sea

What happened

BBC Middle East Yemen reports that witnesses have said Houthi forces have moved onto and taken control of Perim Island, situated at the narrowest part of the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea. A local government official and eyewitness told AFP that the Houthis have completed their takeover of the area, but there has been no direct confirmation from the Houthis themselves as of reporting.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The island is key to international shipping lanes connecting Asia and Europe and gains additional importance given the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran tensions. The capture follows the Houthis’ recent takeover of the strategic port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, indicating an escalation in their southwestern offensive.

Houthis have asserted they do not threaten international shipping but continue to warn they may target vessels originating from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia depends heavily on the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab route to export oil to Asian markets, and the conflict has already contributed to rising oil prices globally. This latest control of Perim could have further implications for maritime security and energy transport.

Known from the source

• Witnesses reported Houthis moving onto and reportedly taking control of Perim Island.
• Perim Island is located at the narrowest part of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, an important shipping route linking Asia and Europe.
• Houthis recently seized the port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces.
• Houthis have stated no threat to international shipping except vessels from Saudi Arabia.
• Since the offensive escalation, hundreds have reportedly died and thousands displaced.

What remains unclear

Since the recent fighting escalated, hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced, with the International Organization for Migration reporting that at least 46,000 people have fled and that displacement is increasing rapidly. The Saudi-led coalition continues air strikes in support of pro-government forces, while the Houthis maintain missile and drone attacks on southern Saudi targets.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Official confirmation from Houthis on control of Perim Island. Verification of the extent and permanence of Houthi control on Perim Island. Independent confirmation of impact on international shipping and navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: BBC Middle East Yemen. Open the source.