Houthi fighters seized Mayun Island, also known as Perim, in the Bab al-Mandab Strait on Friday following the withdrawal of Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops. The forces conducted a rapid operation across Yemen's Red Sea coast, capturing the port of Mocha, the town of Dhubab, and the Hanish islands. These acquisitions grant Iran-aligned forces control over the southern gateway to the Suez Canal.
- Mayun Island seized by Houthi fighters after troop withdrawal
- Saudi Arabia East-West Petroline targeted by drone strikes from Iraq
- Oil prices rise above $100 per barrel following the attacks
- Gulf state foreign ministers scheduled to meet with Iran in Oman
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia’s 1,200 km East-West Petroline was targeted by drone strikes launched from Maysan province in Iraq on Thursday. The attack caused fires at pumping stations, with satellite imagery confirming black smoke south of Medina. Saudi Arabia subsequently shut down the pipeline as a precaution, and injuries were reported. The Iraqi government has dismissed a local commander and initiated an investigation into the incident. President Trump stated that Iran was likely responsible for the attack.
Following the capture of Mayun Island, the Houthis declared that while general shipping remains safe, they will enforce a blockade against Saudi vessels, termed a 'siege for siege.' Oil prices subsequently rose above $100 per barrel. The UAE had previously maintained an airbase on Mayun Island. On Friday, Saudi airstrikes targeted Mocha, though the United States has declined a Saudi request to conduct direct strikes against Houthi forces. President Trump remarked that the group had contacted the U.S. and indicated a preference to avoid direct conflict with American forces.Regional diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Gulf state foreign ministers scheduled to meet with Iran in Oman on Monday to discuss a potential temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain has declined to participate until diplomatic relations with Tehran are restored, and Oman is currently mediating. Meanwhile, the conflict in Yemen has resulted in hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of displaced persons. Government forces have reportedly abandoned equipment while retreating south, leaving the internationally recognized government in Aden in a precarious position. The report was compiled using data from AP, Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Saudi SPA, and Iraqi government statements as of September 11-12, 2026.
