Iran’s Houthi allies capture strategic island on vital oil shipping route
Summary
Yemen’s Houthi forces, who are supported by Iran, have taken control of Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab strait, an important shipping route connecting Asia and Europe. This gives the Houthis more control over a key global trade passage, raising concerns about the security of oil shipments and increasing regional tensions.Key Facts
- The Houthis now control Perim Island, located in the Bab al-Mandab strait, a narrow and vital shipping lane.
- Forces supporting Yemen’s UN-backed government left the island recently, allowing the Houthis to take over.
- Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s official government and has conducted air strikes against Houthi positions.
- The Bab al-Mandab strait links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a critical route for global shipping, especially for oil.
- The United Arab Emirates started building an airbase on Perim Island but stopped after they left the Yemen conflict in January.
- Iran, which backs the Houthis, praised their recent advances, highlighting their alliance since 2014.
- The Houthis’ control combined with Iranian control of the nearby Hormuz strait could tighten pressure on global energy supplies.
- About 46,000 people have fled the recent fighting, and oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel due to tensions.
- The U.S. under President Donald Trump has not planned bombing Houthi positions despite Saudi requests.
- Saudi Arabia formed an international naval coalition in August to protect shipping in the Bab al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
