Houthis Seize Strategic Hanish Islands in the Red Sea
Iran backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have seized several more strategically important islands in the southern Red Sea, further strengthening the group’s control over the internationally significant Bab el Mandeb Strait. This information has been confirmed citing the Yemeni government and Houthi officials.
According to reports, Saudi Arabia backed Yemeni government forces were attempting to regroup to halt the Houthis’ rapid advance along the western coast when the Houthis seized the Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish islands.
Two government officials and a Houthi representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press (AP) that Houthi rebels deployed fighters to the Hanish Islands, located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of the Bab el Mandeb Strait, after hundreds of pro government troops withdrew from the area.
Concerns have already emerged over instability in global energy supply and oil prices due to the Houthis’ continued attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure. According to analysts, the instability caused by escalating conflict in this region could bring Iran a major strategic advantage amid its ongoing tensions with the United States.
