Houthis seize Perim island and Mokha, tightening grip on Bab al-Mandeb and raising shipping costs

On 11–13 September 2026 Houthi forces captured Perim (Mayyun) island and the Red Sea port of Mokha, positioning them to control the Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint. Shipping sources say carriers are rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope—adding more than 20 transit days—and insurers and freight markets are pricing higher war-risk exposure for Red Sea trade.

If Houthi control of Perim/Mokha persists, vessels will continue to avoid the Red Sea chokepoint and reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, extending voyage times and tying up tanker capacity. That raises freight and war‑risk insurance premia and can increase landed costs for African fuel and refined‑product importers, while reducing Suez toll revenues and shifting naval and port logistics demand to Djibouti and nearby Horn of Africa states.

Monitor weekly Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb transit volumes and VLCC spot‑rate moves; watch any international naval mandate changes or convoy operations.