The Houthis, an Iranian-aligned Yemeni rebel group, took control on Friday of Perim Island, located at one of the narrowest points of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which separates the Arabian Peninsula from Djibouti, in northeastern Africa. The offensive represents an expansion of the rebels' attacks that began last week.
The takeover of the island was confirmed by an internationally recognized Yemeni government official, backed by Saudi Arabia, who spoke to the France-Presse news agency on condition of anonymity. According to the source, Houthi fighters arrived at Perim Island after government forces withdrew on Thursday.
The Bab el-Mandeb region is considered vital for global maritime trade, and sources quoted by international media stated that the Houthis confirmed control over this strategic route. Perim Island is located in the center of the strait, making its control particularly significant for navigation in the region.
The conquest represents a new development in the rapid offensive launched by the rebels in areas previously controlled by the Yemeni government. The group had already taken control of other positions in the region, significantly expanding its dominance over the strategic passage.
