Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels Make Further Gains In Yemen, Reach Key Island In The Red Sea

Iran-backed Houthi rebels reached the island of Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a breakthrough that could help the group tighten its grip on the key shipping lane.

Reuters detailed that forces from the internationally-recognized government withdrew from the island, as well as the coastal town of Dhubab, facing the island from the mainland.

Hours earlier, the Houthis took the port city of Mokha, threatening maritime traffic further. The city is some 50 miles from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which more than 12% of global oil transits, and to which several Gulf countries have resorted as the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed as a result of the war between the U.S. and Iran.

The Associated Press noted that the win is the largest for the Houthis since a 2022 truce that ended the civil war in the country.

Reuters noted that satellite images showed smoke near the Saudi East-West oil pipeline, through which the country has been rerouting exports from the Hormuz Strait.

Reuters reported on Thursday that Pakistan conveyed a warning from Saudi Arabia to Iran, with Riyadh calling on Tehran to rein in on the group to prevent the crisis from escalating further.

Saudi Arabia backs the government has been launching strikes against the Houthis, which in turn have recently imposed an embargo on oil from the country transiting through the Red Sea.

Earlier this week the Houthis launched a large-scale attack against Saudi Arabia, targeting four cities and oil facilities south of Riyahd. Saudi authorities confirmed the attack, saying over 70 people, including women and children, had been wounded. Its forces then retaliated with air strikes east of Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthis.

An Axios report noted on Friday that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Donald Trump twice on Thursday, urging him to launch strikes against the Houthis as they advanced.

Trump, however, declined. Officials told the outlet that the U.S. has no plans to directly target the Houthis at the moment. Washington is increasing support to Saudi Arabia while avoiding getting involved directly.

CNN detailed that over 100 U.S. military advisers are currently in Saudi Arabia providing intelligence and targeting support to the country.