Sana’a -UNS: The Houthi movement has reportedly taken control of the Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish islands in the Red Sea following clashes with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, according to local sources.
The sources said hundreds of coalition personnel withdrew from the islands after the clashes, following which Houthi fighters established control over both islands.
The reported takeover has not been independently verified, and no authoritative confirmation of the development was immediately available.
Key Facts
– The Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish islands are located in the Red Sea, approximately 160 kilometres north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
– Local sources have reported that Houthi forces took control of both islands following clashes with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.
– The same sources reported the withdrawal of hundreds of coalition personnel from the islands.
– The Houthis have previously been reported to have established control over Zuqar Island, also in the Red Sea.
– Fighting between Houthi forces and their opponents has continued in parts of western Yemen.
– The Bab al-Mandab Strait links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important international maritime route.
Analysis: Strategic Significance
If the reported Houthi takeover is confirmed and maintained, control of the Hanish islands could have strategic implications for the group’s position in the southern Red Sea.
The islands’ location could potentially provide the Houthis with additional positions from which to monitor or project influence over maritime activity in the surrounding waters. However, control of the islands would not by itself amount to control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The development could nevertheless increase security concerns among regional states and international shipping operators, particularly if it is accompanied by further Houthi expansion along Yemen’s western coastline.
