Muhammad Amanullah — September 12, 2026
The situation in Yemen has become increasingly serious amid ongoing tensions between Houthi rebels and government forces. Yemeni government sources have claimed that the Houthis have taken control of the Dhabab area near Bab el-Mandeb and the strategically important Mayyun Island, while government forces have withdrawn from the island in the Bab el-Mandeb area.
Key Areas Reportedly Under Houthi Control
According to sources, Houthi forces have advanced into important areas near Bab el-Mandeb.
Because of the strait’s geographic and commercial importance, control by any side could have significant implications for the broader regional situation.
Yemeni government sources said Houthi forces have strengthened their positions in Dhabab and have also taken control of Mayyun Island.
Importance of Bab el-Mandeb
Bab el-Mandeb is a strategically important waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The strait is crucial to global trade because commercial vessels from various countries pass through the route.
For this reason, any military development around Bab el-Mandeb is not viewed solely as part of Yemen’s internal conflict. It could also affect international trade and maritime traffic.
Claim of Capture of Key Military Base
According to Iran’s state-run news agency, the Houthis have also claimed control of the Al-Omari military base, an important position overlooking Bab el-Mandeb.
The report described Al-Omari as a strategically significant military location from which areas around Bab el-Mandeb and the important maritime route can be monitored.
The Houthi claim of taking control of the military base is being viewed as a significant development in their recent advance.
Zubair Island Also Targeted
The Houthis have also claimed to have taken control of Zubair Island in the Red Sea.
Control of islands and coastal areas is particularly important in Yemen’s ongoing conflict because these locations can provide strategic positions for monitoring maritime activity in the Red Sea and surrounding coastal areas.
The Houthis say their objective in taking control of these areas is to strengthen their grip over Bab el-Mandeb and the important trade route connected to it.
Houthi Leader Makes Announcement
Houthi leader Mohammed al-Bukhaiti claimed on Thursday that the group had taken control of Bab el-Mandeb.
His statement drew further attention to the military situation in the area.
The reported development comes as tensions continue between government forces and Houthi fighters in western Yemen.
Advances in Taiz
Reports also indicate that Houthi fighters have advanced in Yemen’s western Taiz province after taking control of important areas and military positions.
The Houthi advance reportedly brought their forces as far as Mokha Airport.
The city of Mokha and surrounding areas are considered strategically important because of their proximity to Bab el-Mandeb.
Government Forces Respond
Meanwhile, the Yemeni government forces have announced military action following the reported Houthi advances.
The Yemeni military said its air force had begun bombing a previously designated area.
The military has also warned civilians to avoid travelling toward affected areas.
Important Warning to Civilians
Yemeni government forces have urged civilians not to use the road connecting Taiz with Mokha or the route from Mokha to Dhabab.
Officials said military operations are underway in these areas and that airstrikes could make conditions dangerous for civilians.
Residents have therefore been instructed to stay away from the affected routes.
Potential Impact on Global Trade
Reports of alleged Houthi control around Bab el-Mandeb have made the regional situation even more sensitive.
The waterway is extremely important to global trade, and military tensions in the area can disrupt the movement of commercial vessels.
If Houthi control around Bab el-Mandeb becomes stronger, the consequences could extend beyond Yemen’s internal conflict and affect commercial activity in the Red Sea as well as international shipping routes.
A New Development in Yemen’s War
The Houthi claims of controlling Dhabab, Mayyun Island, Al-Omari military base and Zubair Island are being viewed as a significant development in Yemen’s ongoing conflict.
At the same time, the Yemeni government military’s reported air operations and warnings for civilians to avoid key roads indicate that fighting in the area could intensify further.
However, the Houthi claims of full control over some of these areas and the situation on the ground have not yet been independently verified.
Under the current circumstances, every military development around Bab el-Mandeb is being closely watched not only for its impact on Yemen’s war but also for its potential implications for the wider security situation in the Red Sea.
