Houthis seize Red Sea islands but face daunting fight to hold Bab al-Mandeb

In a rapid campaign lasting over two months, the Houthi movement expanded its foothold on Yemen's Red Sea coast, seizing the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, Mayyun Island and a corridor from Hodeidah to Mocha that includes the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces responded with a series of counterattacks, destroying a Houthi convoy on the al-Waziyah front and striking positions in Dhubab, al-Khokha and nearby Lahj province.

Analysts note that defending such an extensive, exposed coastline will strain Houthi logistics, requiring continuous supplies and large troop deployments vulnerable to air surveillance. Moreover, the Houthis lack the deep social and security networks they enjoy in northern Yemen, potentially provoking local resistance. The development has drawn heightened international attention, as Bab al-Mandeb is a critical chokepoint for global oil transport, and any threat to shipping could trigger broader regional military responses.