Houthis seize strategic Mayun Island in Red Sea, analysts question long-term hold

Yemen's Houthi group, which has been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, has taken control of Mayun Island, a strategic landmass in the Red Sea. The island sits near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and a vital route for international trade, including oil shipments.

The takeover solidifies the Houthis' military footprint in the area, analysts say, potentially giving them increased ability to monitor or disrupt shipping traffic. However, maintaining control of the island over an extended period presents challenges. The group faces ongoing airstrikes from the Saudi-led coalition and has limited naval capability to defend against counterattacks or amphibious assaults.

No further details on the timing or method of the seizure have been reported. The development comes amid a prolonged and largely stalemated conflict in Yemen that has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Why This Matters

Mayun Island's location near the Bab al-Mandeb strait makes it a potential lever for disrupting a waterway through which roughly 10% of global seaborne oil trade passes.
The Houthis' expanded coastal control could escalate tensions with shipping nations already wary of earlier attacks on vessels near Yemen.
Holding or losing the island may shift the military balance in the Yemen war, which has been in a grinding stalemate for years.

Background

Mayun Island (also known as Perim Island) is a small volcanic island in the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb, the southern entrance to the Red Sea. It has historically been of strategic interest due to its location controlling access to the Suez Canal via the Red Sea. During Yemen's civil war, the Houthi group seized large parts of northern and western Yemen, including coastal areas. A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to restore the internationally recognised government. Both sides have used the Red Sea coastline for military operations, including Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and coalition airstrikes on Houthi-held ports.

Key Perspectives

Houthi leadership: Seizing Mayun Island extends the group's control over naval chokepoints and bolsters its bargaining position in any future peace talks with the coalition and Saudi Arabia. Saudi-led coalition: Likely to view the seizure as a direct threat to regional security and shipping lanes. Could intensify airstrikes or attempt a naval operation to retake the island. International shipping and maritime security actors: The takeover raises concerns for freedom of navigation. Naval forces patrolling the area—such as those from the US, UK, and other allies—may need to reassess risks for commercial vessels.

What to Watch

Reports of coalition naval mobilisation or airstrikes targeting Mayun Island.
Statements from Houthi leaders about any intent to restrict shipping through the Bab al-Mandeb.
Response from the United Nations and major maritime nations regarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

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