Houthi Rebels Close In on Full Control of Vital Bab el-Mandeb Shipping Lane
Iran-backed Houthi fighters have reached Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, moving closer to controlling one of the world's most important shipping routes. Saudi Arabia has asked the US for military help, but Washington has so far offered only intelligence support.
Yemeni government sources report that Iran-backed Houthi fighters reached Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Friday, after forces loyal to the internationally recognised Yemeni government withdrew from the island. The Houthis also seized the mainland coastal town of Dhubab, directly across from the island.
Should the Houthis secure full control of the strait, it could hand Iran a significant advantage in its conflict with the United States by threatening a second major oil corridor. The war began six months ago with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz — normally responsible for about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Saudi Arabia has since relied heavily on the Red Sea route.
Attacks intensify
Both Iran and the US escalated attacks on Gulf shipping this week. Iran confirmed on Friday that its representatives, along with those from Iraq and Gulf Arab states, will meet in Oman on Monday to resume talks on safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Satellite imagery confirmed smoke near Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, which was temporarily shut on Thursday following attacks that reportedly caused a number of injuries. Saudi crude supply fell by 2.3 million barrels per day in August to 6 million bpd — the lowest level in more than three decades — partly due to Houthi-linked attacks on vessels transiting Bab el-Mandeb.
Oil prices dipped slightly on Friday but were on track to close the week above $100 a barrel for the first time since mid-May.
Yemeni forces plan counter-offensive
Yemeni government forces said they intend to retake territory seized by the Houthis during this week's rapid offensive along the Red Sea coast, including the port city of Mocha and the Hanish Islands. Reuters reported that the Houthi advance was directly guided by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which are seeking to open a new front in the war against the US.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called President Donald Trump at least twice on Thursday requesting US military assistance against the Houthis. Washington has so far declined direct military involvement, offering instead to share intelligence and help with targeting.
