Houthis seize Hanish islands, extending grip on Bab al-Mandeb Strait

The Iran-aligned Houthi militia took control of the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands north of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Monday, after hundreds of forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government withdrew from the archipelago, officials from both sides said. The capture follows the group’s recent seizure of the mainland port city of Mokha and Perim Island, further consolidating its presence around the key maritime chokepoint.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait links the Red Sea with the Indian Ocean and is a vital conduit for oil and other cargo bound for the Mediterranean. Control of the islands gives the Houthis a stronger position over the waterway, which has become increasingly important as the Strait of Hormuz remains contested.

The Houthis also launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on Saudi targets on Monday. The Saudi Civil Defence reported a projectile landing near the Yemen border, injuring two people and damaging a mosque and other structures.

"Many of them don't have enough food or water as they had to flee with whatever they could carry. In some areas, whole villages have reportedly emptied," said Khanzad Shah, acting head of Islamic Relief, describing the humanitarian situation in Taiz province.

The United Nations estimates that more than 80,000 people have been displaced in the past two weeks, including over 2,000 who fled by boat to Djibouti. Yemen’s Human Rights Ministry reported 150 civilian deaths and over 200 injuries since 3 September.

Government officials acknowledged the setbacks. Sultan al-Arada, a member of the presidential leadership council, called the collapse of forces in Mokha "painful and regrettable" and said troops are regrouping. President Rashad al-Alimi described the defeats as "incidental" and pledged to continue efforts to restore government authority over all national territories.