Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthis seize island in Bab el-Mandeb Strait, escalating regional tensions

On September 11, 2026, Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthis captured an island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The island, located near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, is a key location for maritime traffic and has strategic value for both military and economic purposes. The Houthis' seizure of the island is part of a broader campaign to assert control over critical infrastructure and disrupt global energy supplies. The Los Angeles Times reported that the Houthis' territorial gains could bolster Iran's strategy of increasing global oil and gas prices to pressure the United States. PBS confirmed the seizure but did not elaborate on the strategic implications. The United States has not yet issued a formal response, though officials have warned of the potential for further escalation in the region. No sources provided specific details on the number of Houthis involved in the operation or the exact location of the island. The event has drawn attention from international observers, with some analysts suggesting it could lead to increased military activity in the area.