Houthi territorial claims raise pressure around Yemen’s Red Sea coast
Yemeni government officials reportedly say Houthi forces control key islands and coastal areas, while Saudi Arabia has suspended an oil pipeline after a drone attack.
Houthi forces have reportedly extended their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, according to Al Jazeera, citing officials from Yemen’s internationally recognised government. The claim has not been independently verified in the supplied reporting.
The reported territory includes Mayyun Island and the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands near the Bab al-Mandab strait. Earlier reported Houthi gains included Perim Island and the port city of Mokha.
The developments would place the Houthis in a stronger position around a strategically important maritime passage, although the available material does not provide further details on the extent or operational nature of the reported control.
Saudi Arabia has meanwhile suspended a crucial oil pipeline following a drone attack. The pipeline’s identity and route have not been specified, and the reporting does not identify the perpetrators or attribute the attack to the Houthis.
The reported developments follow intensified fighting between Houthi and pro-government forces. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration reportedly said at least 46,000 people had been displaced after the escalation the previous week.
