Houthis reach Yemen’s Perim Island after government forces withdraw
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Houthi forces reached Yemen’s strategic Perim Island at the entrance to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on Friday after government forces withdrew, according to Yemeni sources.
Two sources from Yemen’s internationally recognized government said its forces had pulled out of Perim, while four government sources confirmed that the Houthis had reached the island. Reuters reported that the Houthis also took control of the nearby Red Sea coastal town of Dhubab. (Reuters)
The island, also known as Mayun, lies about 3.5 kilometers off Yemen’s western coast and occupies a strategic position in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. (AP News)
The Houthi advance comes after the group seized the Red Sea port city of Mokha and several nearby islands in a rapid offensive along Yemen’s western coast.
The developments raise concerns over the security of maritime traffic through Bab al-Mandeb, one of the world’s key shipping routes between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal. (Reuters)
Yemeni government forces have indicated they plan to launch a counteroffensive against the Houthis in areas captured during the recent advance, according to Reuters. (Reuters)