Houthis Seize Perim Island and Mokha on Yemen’s Coast
Why in the news
Yemen’s Houthis advanced along the Red Sea coast, capturing Mayun (Perim) Island and Mokha port.
Who are the Houthis
- Armed movement of Yemen’s Zaidi Shia minority; formal name Ansar Allah.
- De facto rulers of Sanaa and the north-west.
- Aims: oppose Western and Israeli influence; control Yemen; counter Saudi influence.
Geography and trade
- Bab el-Mandeb (“Gate of Tears”) joins the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, with Yemen on one side and Djibouti/Eritrea on the other.
- Perim Island sits mid-strait and creates two channels.
- Around 12 per cent of world trade uses the Red Sea-Suez route; the Cape of Good Hope detour adds 10-14 days.
India angle
- India-Europe trade and the IMEC corridor rely on this route; the Navy operates under Operation Sankalp.
Exam angle
- Group title: Ansar Allah; strait: “Gate of Tears”.