Houthis Capture Mayun Island, Tightening Grip on Bab al-Mandeb Strait

Strategic importance of Mayun Island

Mayun Island sits at the southern entrance of the Red Sea, just north of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The narrow waterway links the Indian Ocean to the Suez Canal, making it one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. More than 20 million barrels of oil and countless container ships pass through daily, meaning any disruption can ripple through global trade.

Geography and maritime traffic

The island is low‑lying and largely uninhabited, but its position allows forces to monitor and potentially control vessel movements. Radar stations and coastal artillery can be installed on its limited terrain, giving an occupying power a tactical edge over passing ships.

Historical control of the Bab al-Mandeb

Historically, the strait has been contested by regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Eritrea. International navies have maintained a presence to deter piracy and ensure freedom of navigation. The recent seizure marks the first time the Houthis have held a permanent foothold on an island directly overlooking the chokepoint.

Houthis' operation and timeline

Lead‑up to the seizure

In the months before the capture, the Houthis intensified missile and drone attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea. Their stated aim was to pressure nations supporting the Saudi‑led coalition in Yemen. Intelligence reports indicated that the group had been stockpiling weapons on the mainland near the island’s shoreline.

The capture in early September 2024

On September 10, 2024, Houthi forces launched a coordinated amphibious assault on Mayun Island. Within hours, they reported full control of the island’s limited infrastructure. The group announced the operation on its official channels, describing it as a “defensive move to protect Yemeni sovereignty.”

Immediate military actions

After securing the island, the Houthis installed short‑range anti‑ship missiles and began constructing a modest radar outpost. Satellite imagery released by independent analysts showed the presence of mobile launchers and fortified positions along the coast.

Regional and international reactions

Statements from the United Nations

The United Nations Security Council called the seizure “a destabilising development” and urged all parties to respect international maritime law. A spokesperson warned that any obstruction of navigation could trigger collective security measures.

Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates response

Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi condemned the move, labeling it “illegal” and “threatening to regional peace.” The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that diplomatic channels were being used to address the issue and hinted at possible naval deployments.

U.S. naval posture

The United States, which maintains a fleet in the Red Sea as part of its U.S. Navy presence, said it was monitoring the situation closely. A senior officer indicated that patrols would continue to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels, but no additional forces were being dispatched at that time.

Implications for global shipping

Risk to commercial vessels

Shipping companies have already issued advisories, urging captains to remain vigilant and consider alternative routes through the Gulf of Aden. Insurance premiums for vessels transiting the strait have risen, reflecting the heightened risk of missile strikes or boarding actions.

Potential insurance and rerouting costs

Analysts estimate that a temporary closure could add up to $1.5 billion in extra costs per month, accounting for longer voyages, higher fuel consumption, and increased insurance fees. The financial impact would be felt across industries that rely on just‑in‑time deliveries.

Future scenarios and diplomatic pathways

Several outcomes are possible. One scenario involves a negotiated withdrawal of Houthi forces in exchange for concessions on the Yemeni conflict. Another could see a multinational naval coalition establishing a security zone around the strait, similar to past anti‑piracy operations.

Experts from the International Crisis Group warn that any escalation could draw neighboring powers into a broader confrontation, further destabilising an already fragile region.

For now, the world watches as the Houthis consolidate their new position on Mayun Island. The balance between military ambition and diplomatic pressure will determine whether the Bab al-Mandeb remains open or becomes a flashpoint in the ongoing Yemen war.