Houthi rebels seize control of Yemens Red Sea coastline and major shipping hub

Yemeni Government Loses Control of Red Sea Coast to Houthi Rebels

Reports indicate that the Houthi rebel group has taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, according to government sources and witnesses. The Houthis seized the last towns on the coast in a rapid advance against the internationally recognized Yemeni government early on Friday.

The rebel group has pushed onto islands in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which links the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea. This control strengthens the Houthi’s grip over the key shipping route, which has been used as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz was previously utilized by around one-fifth of global energy shipments.

Government sources confirmed that Houthi fighters reached the coastal town of Dhubab and seized nearby islands, including Mayyun Island, also known as Perim. The Sanaa-based Yemen Press Agency reported that Houthi forces took control of the Al-Omari camp overlooking the strait.

The International Energy Agency has forecast that global oil supply and demand are likely to fall further this year due to the US-Iran war, which is delaying normal Middle East flows into 2027. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling for an end to Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Yemen and urging a resumption of negotiations.

The Houthi advance has led to increased tensions in the region, with reports suggesting that Saudi air strikes hit al-Makha airport. However, there is currently no immediate report of casualties or damage. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing developments reported by various news outlets.

Source: Al Jazeera