Houthi forces capture Yemen's Hanish Islands, tightening grip on Bab al-Mandab strait

Houthi forces captured the Hanish Islands in Hodeidah governorate, territory previously held by the pro-PLC Yemeni National Resistance, adding to their earlier seizure of Perim Island and completing effective control over Yemen's approach to the Bab al-Mandab strait.

Why this matters. Full Houthi control of the islands flanking Bab al-Mandab gives the group direct leverage over a second chokepoint alongside the Strait of Hormuz, compounding risk to Red Sea shipping and Saudi oil exports.