The Houthis in Yemen have captured the large and small Hanish islands in the Red Sea, thereby enhancing their ability to control a key transportation route. This action comes amid rising concerns about the onset of a new global oil supply crisis.
Developments on the Red Sea Coast
The capture of the Hanish islands is the latest move in the rapid advancement of this militia group along the Red Sea coast of Yemen. Previously, the port of Al-Mokha and the island of Perim in the Bab al-Mandab Strait had also fallen under Houthi control. These islands are located 160 kilometers north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which serves as a chokepoint connecting the Red Sea and the open ocean, and is of great importance to Saudi Arabia's Asian markets.
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Threats and Humanitarian Situation
The rapid advance of the Houthis has placed the Yemeni government, supported by Saudi Arabia, in a difficult position. This comes as Saudi Arabia grapples with attacks by Iranian-backed militants on its oil pipelines in Iraq. The threats from the Houthis have put Saudi Arabia on high alert, with daily air raid warnings issued across the country. Recent attacks by this group using ballistic missiles and drones have resulted in injuries to 13 civilians.
According to reports, nearly 94,000 people have fled their homes in Yemen due to escalating conflicts. About 200 schools in southwestern Yemen have been converted into shelters for displaced families. Additionally, over 2,000 people have fled as refugees to Djibouti, which is only 32 kilometers away from a U.S. military base in the country.
Experts have warned that the closure of Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, which is vital for transporting oil from the Strait of Hormuz to the port of Yanbu, will put additional pressure on oil transportation and its global supply. Estimates suggest that repairs to this pipeline may take weeks.
The price of Brent crude has risen to $106.92 per barrel, and the average price of diesel in the United States has reached $6 per gallon. Houthi leadership has stated that they do not intend to block all commercial vessels in the Red Sea and are only targeting ships associated with Saudi Arabia. These developments have heightened concerns about a serious oil supply crisis in the future.
