Iran’s Houthi allies capture strategic island on vital oil shipping route
News Source
•Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:45:28 GMT
📰 What Happened
Houthi forces in Yemen have taken control of Perim, a small volcanic island in the Bab al-Mandab strait. The island sits at the narrowest part of the waterway. Government troops left it after a string of losses along Yemen's west coast.
The port city of Mocha fell to the Houthis on Thursday. Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemen's government, launched air strikes on Houthi positions in Mocha on Friday.
🔍 The Backstory
The Bab al-Mandab strait links Asia to Europe through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. About 12% of the world's goods usually travel through it. Saudi Arabia now sends much of its oil this way because Iran has attacked ships near the strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia also shut its East-West pipeline after drone attacks, which it blamed on Iraq. Oil prices have climbed above $100 a barrel as the fighting grows.
🎯 Why It Matters
If anti-western groups control both key sea routes, shipping costs can jump. That can mean higher prices for fuel, food and goods in many countries, including yours.
Houthi forces in Yemen have taken control of Perim, a small volcanic island in the Bab al-Mandab strait. The island sits at the narrowest part of the waterway. Government troops left it after a string of losses along Yemen's west coast.
The port city of Mocha fell to the Houthis on Thursday. Saudi Arabia, which backs Yemen's government, launched air strikes on Houthi positions in Mocha on Friday.
The Bab al-Mandab strait links Asia to Europe through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. About 12% of the world's goods usually travel through it. Saudi Arabia now sends much of its oil this way because Iran has attacked ships near the strait of Hormuz.
Saudi Arabia also shut its East-West pipeline after drone attacks, which it blamed on Iraq. Oil prices have climbed above $100 a barrel as the fighting grows.
If anti-western groups control both key sea routes, shipping costs can jump. That can mean higher prices for fuel, food and goods in many countries, including yours.