Houthis seize Perim/Mayun island, tightening control of Bab al-Mandeb Strait
On 11 September 2026 Houthi forces seized Perim (Mayun) island (and nearby Mokha), establishing a physical outpost in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait that tightens their grip on the southern entrance to the Red Sea and raises short-term risks to shipping, freight and war‑risk insurance premiums.
The desk brief
On 11 September 2026 Houthi forces seized Perim (Mayun) island (and nearby Mokha), establishing a physical outpost in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait that tightens their grip on the southern entrance to the Red Sea and raises short-term risks to shipping, freight and war‑risk insurance premiums.
Control of Perim enhances the Houthis' ability to threaten passage through Bab al‑Mandeb. Even without sustained closures, war‑risk insurance and charter premia can rise and freight costs increase, passing through to energy and traded-goods prices. That raises near‑term refinancing and spread sensitivity for hydrocarbon exporters and transit‑dependent sovereigns, particularly on short and near‑term maturities.
Whether Saudi-backed Yemeni forces or international actors mount a counter‑offensive to retake Perim, or regional talks yield a temporary shipping-management arrangement.
Sources & verification
Developing storyFurther independent confirmation is required.
- Iran-backed Houthis seize Red Sea port, putting another key trade route at riskpolitico.euSource published (opens in a new tab)
- Iran-backed Houthis seize strategic Mayun Island: Can they hold it?aljazeera.comSource published (opens in a new tab)
Public references supporting this brief.