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Houthi rebels in Yemen seize strategic city and island in the Red Sea

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have taken control of the port city of Mocha and Perim Island, escalating the conflict in Yemen and putting pressure on crucial maritime routes.

12 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Houthi rebels in Yemen seize strategic city and island in the Red Sea — Archive photoPhoto: Coordenação-Geral de Observação da Terra/INPE · Flickr · BY-SA

Houthi rebels in Yemen have managed to take control of the port city of Mocha and Perim Island, strategically located at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, essential for maritime traffic in the Red Sea. The Houthi offensive has been reported by various sources, and their actions coincide with an escalation of the conflict in the region.

The Houthi offensive is occurring in the context of increasing tension, considering the airstrikes carried out by the Saudi-led coalition, which supports the Yemeni government. The latter has suffered significant territorial losses due to the new wave of attacks, worsening the already unstable situation in the region.

According to reports, the capture of Perim Island, along with Mocha, provides the Houthis with greater control over access to the Red Sea, which is crucial for oil transportation. Perim Island is viewed as a key passage for navigation between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal.

Sources from the Yemeni government confirmed the arrival of the Houthis in Dhubab and their ongoing advance in adjacent areas. The government has urged civilians to avoid the areas between Taiz, Dhubab, and Mocha, releasing a map of zones under rebel control that are being targeted by a military counteroffensive.

However, the strategic advance of the Houthis raises concerns about the impact of their actions on maritime transport routes, particularly regarding the movement of oil and other essential resources that rely on the security of these pathways.

The Houthi control of areas in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has the potential to grant Iran significant influence in the region, as indicated by various analyses of the current situation. The response of the Yemeni armed forces and the coalition is awaited as the struggle for control of these vital routes continues.

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