Security

Houthi Forces Seize Strategic Hanish Islands in the Red Sea

AI SUMMARY

Yemeni Houthi rebels have seized control of the strategic Hanish Islands in the southern Red Sea, forcing out Saudi-backed government troops.

Yemeni Houthi rebels seized control of the Hanish Islands in the southern Red Sea on Monday.
The capture forced out Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops who abandoned the islands.
The acquisition places Houthi fighters within 32 kilometers of U.S. military assets stationed in Djibouti.
The Hanish Islands were the subject of a territorial dispute and brief military conflict between Eritrea and Yemen thirty years ago, which was later resolved by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of Yemen.
The Houthis recently captured the port city of Mocha, Perim Island, and Dhubab, strengthening their control around the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Two unnamed Yemeni government officials and one Houthi official confirmed the withdrawal of hundreds of pro-government fighters from the islands.