Two Yemeni military sources told Reuters that government forces were attacking Houthi positions in the area. The fighting comes after the Iran-aligned group made a series of rapid gains along Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the capture of the port city of Mocha and several strategically important islands in September.
The Houthi advance brought the group closer to control of the approaches to Bab al-Mandab, the narrow passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The strait is used by ships traveling between Europe and Asia and is particularly important for energy and container traffic.
The capture of Mocha and the nearby territory marked a significant shift in the balance of power along Yemen's western coast. The Houthis subsequently took control of Mayun, also known as Perim, an island at the center of the strait.
The developments have raised concerns over the security of commercial shipping. The Houthis have previously used attacks on maritime traffic as a means of exerting pressure in regional conflicts and have launched missiles and drones toward Israel.
For Saudi Arabia, the Houthi advance has also created a direct security concern. Riyadh backs Yemen's internationally recognized government, which is now attempting to reverse the territorial gains made by the group.
Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi announced Sunday that government forces would begin a major military campaign to reclaim territory held by the Houthis. The announcement followed a renewed escalation in fighting and Saudi-led airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas.
The renewed fighting threatens to further complicate shipping through the Red Sea at a time when commercial vessels are already facing heightened risks elsewhere in the region, including around the Strait of Hormuz.
The two waterways are separated by the Arabian Peninsula but together form critical links in the maritime routes connecting the Middle East with global markets.
