Houthis Capture Perim Island, Control Bab al-Mandab Strait

In what appears to be a successful strategic deception, while Yemeni forces backed by Saudi Arabia launched an offensive from the north, the Houthi rebels turned south instead and began a campaign to capture strategic port cities and islands controlling the Red Sea.

Official sources have now confirmed that the Houthis, after attacking and capturing Jabal Zuqar Island north of the Bab al-Mandab strait last night, have now also seized Perim Island, the island that controls the entrance to the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait, known for centuries as the "Gate of Tears" or "Gate of Tribute" at the Red Sea entrance.

Perim Island is a large island dominating the Red Sea waters, and the narrow gap between it and the African coast creates this critically strategic chokepoint.

According to official Arab reports, the Houthis launched an assault on the island until Yemeni government forces were finally forced to withdraw completely, and the rebels have now captured the entire island.

Houthis at the Bab al-Mandab strait (Photo: No credit, via social media)

According to footage circulating on social networks, the Houthis have succeeded in recent days in capturing the entire coastal strip controlling the entrance to the Red Sea, and now with their control over both Perim Island and Jabal Zuqar Island, they possess the ability to strangle another critical shipping route in service of Iran.