Sanaa, Yemen – A Yemeni government military official told AFP that the Houthi group has seized control of the islands of Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish. These two islands are the last two islands in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Control of the two Hanish islands
The official explained that the Houthis had seized control of the two islands in the Red Sea. This development strengthens the group’s presence in the maritime region near one of the world’s most important waterways.
The official did not provide further details regarding the nature of the operations that preceded the capture of the two islands or the size of the forces involved.
Strategic importance near Bab al-Mandab
The Greater and Lesser Hanish Islands are of strategic geographical importance due to their location in the Red Sea. Furthermore, they are close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
The strait is a major waterway for commercial shipping and energy tankers between Asia and Europe. Therefore, security developments in its vicinity are of regional and international concern.
Tensions escalate in the Red Sea
These developments come amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with ongoing concerns about the safety of maritime navigation in the region.
According to reports, the Houthi group has not issued an official comment regarding the Yemeni military official’s statement. Further details about the situation on the ground in the two islands or the nature of the military presence there remain unclear.
