Aden, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : Houthi rebels have captured Mayyun Island, a strategically important location in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, as of September 11, 2026. This development occurred after government forces retreated, allowing the rebels to advance without military opposition.
According to a government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Houthis arrived on the island early Friday using several boats. They swiftly took control and subsequently deployed armored vehicles and military equipment along the nearby coast.
The official noted that the rebels’ advance followed their takeover of the port city of Mocha on the Red Sea coast, prompting government troops to pull back southward. The capture of Mayyun, also known as Perim, gives the Houthis significant leverage over a key maritime trade route linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The recent gains by the Houthis on Yemen’s western coast come after intense fighting, particularly in Mocha, where they seized control of the strategic port, airport, and key government facilities. Following a large-scale offensive last week, the rebels have rapidly expanded their territorial control.
Bab al-Mandab is a crucial corridor for international trade and energy shipments, connecting the Red Sea and Suez Canal to the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.
Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, warned on Thursday that the renewed fighting could entangle the country in a larger, unresolved regional conflict with global repercussions. In the past 24 hours, clashes have intensified across multiple fronts in Yemen, particularly along the strategic western coast.
During a briefing to the Security Council, Grundberg highlighted that the Houthis have launched significant attacks in areas including Mocha, which is located about 75 kilometers from Bab al-Mandab.
The Bab al-Mandab Strait serves as a vital point for global trade and energy, with a significant portion of international shipping passing through it. Grundberg expressed concern over the implications of the Houthis’ control over Mocha, as it places them in direct proximity to one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. The ongoing conflict continues to evolve, raising serious concerns about navigation freedom for the international community.
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