On September 11, a Yemeni local government official and witnesses confirmed that Houthi forces had landed on Mayyun Island, also known as Perim Island, after government troops withdrew, thereby officially taking full control of the Bab al Mandab Strait area.
Witnesses at the scene said that Houthi gunmen carrying weapons were densely deployed along the strait and moved by military vehicles.
The Bab al Mandab Strait connects Asia with Europe through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, playing a vital role in international energy flows, especially oil exports from Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi takeover of this strategic stronghold takes place in the context of volatile world crude oil prices, both Brent and WTI oil have exceeded the 100 USD mark per barrel.
The Houthi's lightning attack began last week against Saudi Arabian-backed forces. Although the coalition led by Riyadh conducted dozens of airstrikes in response, most recently two bombings at Mocha airport, it still could not stop the advance of this armed group.
AFP statistics show that fierce fighting in the past week has killed more than 500 people, mainly gunmen from both sides. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said nearly 20,000 people had to leave their homes to take refuge amidst the chaos.
