The Iran-backed Houthis seized Perim Island and the port of Mokha, claiming full control of the western coastline and the Bab al-Mandab Strait while declaring commercial shipping safe except for Saudi vessels.
What territory did the Houthis capture in the latest offensive?
The Houthis took Perim Island on Friday after pro-government forces withdrew. The island lies at the narrowest section of the Bab al-Mandab Strait. A day earlier the group seized the port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed forces. A Yemeni military official told AFP that the Houthis now control the full western coastline. The operations began on 3 September and also cleared six districts in Taiz and Hodeidah governorates. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea described the operation as large-scale and launched due to Saudi Arabia's blatant aggression against our dear people. Sarea claimed hundreds of Saudi-backed troops were killed, wounded or captured. The Houthi statement did not mention Perim Island directly. Witnesses and news agencies reported that Houthi forces moved on to the island after the withdrawal of Yemeni pro-government forces. The Houthis later issued a statement saying their military operation to expel Saudi-backed forces had been a success. The operations also cleared six districts in the Taiz and Hodeidah regions according to the spokesman. A source from Yemen's internationally recognised government told the BBC the group seized Perim Island at the mouth of the waterway in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. It comes a day after the Houthis captured the strategic port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces according to military sources. The Houthis earlier said they posed no threat to international shipping but reiterated their threat to target vessels from Saudi Arabia.
How have shipping routes and oil flows been affected?
The Bab al-Mandab Strait has gained importance since the Strait of Hormuz became effectively closed. Saudi Arabia uses the Red Sea route to ship oil to Asian customers. The Houthis declared that navigation is safe for all companies except Saudi vessels. Oil prices rose following the escalation. The Saudi East-West pipeline was closed after drone strikes from Iraq injured several people. The escalation of the conflict between the Houthis, Yemen's government and Saudi Arabia has contributed to a surge in oil prices. Saudi Arabia has been relying on the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait for shipping oil to customers in Asia. Perim Island sits at the narrowest point of the Bab al-Mandab Strait which has become increasingly important following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the conflict between the US and Iran. The Houthis issued a statement saying maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels. Oil hits one hundred dollars a barrel for first time since July after US and Houthi strikes according to related reporting. The Saudi foreign affairs ministry said on Friday that drones from Iraq had targeted the country's East-West oil pipeline forcing it to be closed as a precautionary measure and injuring several people.
What positions have Saudi Arabia and the United States taken?
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asked US President Donald Trump for direct military action against the Houthis. Trump offered intelligence and targeting support instead. A senior US official told the BBC that dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government continues on regional stability. Saudi Arabia has not issued a public comment on the Perim capture. The kingdom carried out air strikes on Houthi areas and reported missile and drone attacks on its southern cities and oil facilities. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry said on Friday that drones from Iraq had targeted the country's East-West oil pipeline forcing it to be closed as a precautionary measure. Following a call from Iraq's prime minister Saudi Arabia chose not to respond at this stage. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman the country's de facto ruler has personally pressed US President Donald Trump to take military action against the Houthis during their rapid advance two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. Trump has so far declined to involve the US military directly offering instead to assist with intelligence and targeting support the sources said. A senior Trump administration official later told the BBC we are in continuous dialogue with Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Yemen government regarding regional stability. Saudi Arabia has not publicly commented on the latest developments.
What is the scale of displacement and casualties?
The International Organization for Migration reported that 46,000 people have been displaced since the offensive began a week earlier. The figure is rising hourly. IOM Director General Amy Pope said many families are fleeing for the second or third time. Hundreds of people have been killed in the fighting. Houthi spokesman Yahya Sarea claimed hundreds of Saudi-backed troops were killed wounded or captured in the six districts. At least 46,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since fighting escalated with Yemen's government and Saudi Arabia according to the International Organization for Migration. On Friday the IOM said the number was alarmingly rising by the hour. Amy Pope IOM director general said families are being forced to flee for the second or third time in this conflict with almost nothing left. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced in Yemen since the Houthis launched an offensive in the south-west a week ago. A Saudi-led coalition has also carried out air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in western Yemen in support of the pro-government forces and the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at cities and oil facilities in southern Saudi Arabia.
Frequently asked questions
Which forces are involved in the current fighting?
The main actors are the Houthis, the internationally recognised Yemeni government, and a Saudi-led coalition supporting pro-government forces. Iraq condemned drone attacks on Saudi territory that originated from its Maysan governorate.
Why is Perim Island strategically important?
The island sits at the narrowest point of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key passage for oil shipments after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Has a truce been in place recently?
A truce that had largely held for more than four years collapsed in July. The Houthis ousted the recognised government in 2015 and control much of the country including the capital Sanaa.
What did the Houthis state about commercial shipping?
The group said maritime navigation is safe for all companies except Saudi vessels and posed no threat to international shipping overall.
Where did the latest drone attack on Saudi infrastructure originate?
Saudi authorities stated the attack came from Iraq's Maysan governorate bordering Iran. Iraq's prime minister removed the local operations commander and launched an investigation.
Key takeaways
- Houthis captured Perim Island and Mokha, controlling the full western Yemeni coastline.
- 46,000 people displaced in one week according to the International Organization for Migration.
- Oil prices rose after the escalation and closure of a major Saudi pipeline.
- US offered intelligence support but declined direct military involvement requested by Saudi Arabia.
- Houthis stated commercial shipping remains safe except for Saudi vessels.
Outlook for the conflict
The rapid Houthi advance adds pressure on shipping lanes already strained by the Iran-US confrontation. Saudi Arabia continues air operations while seeking additional external support. Displacement numbers continue to climb and the humanitarian situation is described as worsening by the hour. Further developments will depend on whether external actors increase direct involvement or maintain current levels of intelligence and diplomatic engagement.