Houthi Rebels Seize Greater and Lesser Hanish Islands

Houthi rebels announced the seizure of Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish islands in the southern Red Sea on 14 September 2026. The Hanish islands lie about 160 kilometres north of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The development followed earlier Houthi advances in Mokha and Perim Island, also called Mayun Island, which lies within the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Hanish Islands and Their Location

The Hanish archipelago is a group of islands in the southern Red Sea near the maritime route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish are the two main islands in the archipelago. The islands have strategic value because of their position close to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Bab al-Mandeb Strait as a Global Chokepoint

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. It is a narrow sea passage used by international commercial shipping and oil tankers. Perim Island lies inside this strait and has long been associated with control over maritime movement between Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Yemen Conflict and Maritime Security

Yemen has faced armed conflict involving the Houthi movement and government-aligned forces. The latest advances displaced nearly 94,000 people since early September 2026. The Houthis are backed by Iran, and their control over coastal and island positions affects shipping lanes used by vessels moving through the Red Sea.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints.
• Perim Island is also known as Mayun Island.
• The Hanish islands are located in the southern Red Sea near Yemen.
• Djibouti hosts foreign military facilities near the Bab al-Mandeb region.

Saudi Energy Routes and Regional Impact

Saudi Arabia uses the Red Sea route for oil shipments as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The East-West oil pipeline is a major Saudi export route, and damage to such infrastructure affects regional energy transport. The Houthi presence near the strait places them close to a United States military base in Djibouti, about 32 kilometres away.