Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have seized the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in the Red Sea, strengthening their control over a critical shipping chokepoint as concerns grow over a possible oil supply crunch.
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Key facts
- Houthi rebels seized the islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the Red Sea.
- The islands sit near the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key shipping chokepoint.
- The move follows the group's capture of the port of Mokha and Perim island.
- Analysts warn the world may be facing a new oil supply crisis.
- The Houthis are an Iran-backed militant group based in Yemen.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have seized two strategic islands in the Red Sea, reinforcing the Iran-backed group’s ability to control a key shipping route, according to the Guardian. The capture of Greater and Lesser Hanish comes as concerns mount that the world is facing a new oil supply crisis.
The two islands lie near the Bab al-Mandab strait, a narrow chokepoint through which a significant share of global maritime traffic passes. Control over territory in this area gives the militant group greater leverage over vessels moving through the region.
The seizure is the latest step in what the Guardian describes as the group’s swift advance across Yemen’s Red Sea coast. In recent moves, the Houthis captured the port of Mokha and Perim island, which also sits within the Bab al-Mandab strait.
Analysts cited by the Guardian have warned that the developments could contribute to an impending oil crunch. The Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait are central to the flow of oil and other goods between Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The Houthis are an Iran-backed militant group operating in Yemen. Their growing presence along the Red Sea coast has raised the prospect of further disruption to one of the world’s most important trade corridors.
Why it matters
The Bab al-Mandab strait is one of the world's most important shipping chokepoints, and greater Houthi control over it could disrupt global trade and push up oil prices. Instability along the Red Sea coast has knock-on effects for supply chains and energy markets worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Which islands did the Houthis seize?
According to the Guardian, the Houthis seized the islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the Red Sea.
Why is the location important?
The islands are near the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key shipping chokepoint, and controlling the area strengthens the group's ability to influence a major shipping route.
What other territory have the Houthis captured recently?
The Guardian reports the group has also captured the port of Mokha and Perim island in the Bab al-Mandab strait.
Timeline
- Houthis seize strategic Red Sea islands as analysts warn of impending oil crunch
The Guardian World: The militant group in Yemen captured the islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish, near the chokepoint of the Bab al-Mandab strait Yemen’s Houthi rebels have seized two strategic islands in the Red Sea, reinforcing the Iran-backed group’s ability to control a key shipping route, as c