Houthis seize strategic Perim Island in Bab al-Mandab

ADEN, Sept 11: Houthi fighters have reportedly seized control of Perim Island, also known as Mayyun, in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to a Yemeni government military source cited by Anadolu.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Houthi forces had taken control of the strategically located island, which sits in the middle of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and divides the vital waterway into two channels.

The reported takeover would give the Houthis control over a strategically important position in the strait, the source said.

Neither the Houthis nor Yemen's internationally recognized government had officially commented on the reported seizure as of 1030 GMT on Friday.

Perim Island's location makes it strategically significant for maritime security. The Bab al-Mandab links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as one of the world's major maritime corridors for commercial shipping and energy shipments.

Any confirmed change in control of the island could heighten regional and international concerns over the security of commercial vessels and energy tankers transiting the waterway.