Yemen's Houthi rebels have seized a strategically important island in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the narrow waterway that separates the Arabian Peninsula from the Horn of Africa. The capture, confirmed on Friday, gives the Iran-backed group effective control over a chokepoint through which an estimated 10% of global seaborne oil and a significant share of container traffic between Europe and Asia must pass.
The island, known as Mayyun (Perim) in Arabic, sits in the middle of the strait's main shipping channel. Its loss to the Houthis, who have been battling a Saudi-led coalition since 2014, marks a significant escalation in their ability to disrupt international maritime traffic. Analysts in Brussels and London warned that the move could have immediate consequences for European energy security and supply chains.
Why the Bab el-Mandeb matters to Europe
For European economies, the Bab el-Mandeb is a vital artery. Tankers carrying crude oil and liquefied natural gas from the Gulf states, as well as container ships laden with manufactured goods from Asia, transit the strait en route to the Suez Canal and then to Mediterranean ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Marseille. Any sustained disruption would force carriers to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks to voyage times and pushing up freight and energy costs.
The Houthis have previously launched missile and drone attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, but seizing a physical foothold in the strait represents a new level of capability. "This is not just a Yemeni issue," said a senior EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It is a direct challenge to the freedom of navigation that underpins global trade and, by extension, European prosperity."
Regional and international reactions
The Saudi-led coalition, which has been fighting the Houthis for years, condemned the seizure and vowed to respond. The United States, which maintains a naval presence in the region, called for the immediate restoration of the status quo. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council was expected to hold an emergency session later on Friday.
In European capitals, the focus is on protecting shipping lanes and ensuring that the conflict does not spill over into a broader regional crisis. The EU's naval operation in the Red Sea, known as Aspides, has been patrolling the area since early 2024, but its mandate is limited to escorting merchant vessels and does not include offensive operations against Houthi positions on land.
"We are watching the situation very closely," said a spokesperson for the European Commission. "The safety of European citizens and the integrity of our supply chains are paramount. We are in contact with our partners in the region and will take all necessary measures."
Implications for global shipping and energy markets
Shipping industry experts say the Houthi takeover could lead to a sharp increase in insurance premiums for vessels transiting the Red Sea, and some carriers may already be considering rerouting. Oil prices edged higher on Friday following the news, with Brent crude rising above $90 a barrel for the first time in weeks.
The Bab el-Mandeb is also crucial for the Suez Canal, which generates billions of dollars in revenue for Egypt. A prolonged closure or disruption would have knock-on effects for the Egyptian economy and for global trade patterns. European importers of Asian goods, from electronics to clothing, could face delays and higher costs.
"The Houthis have demonstrated that they can project power far beyond Yemen's borders," said a maritime security analyst based in Copenhagen. "This is a wake-up call for Europe and for the international community. We need a coordinated strategy to ensure that these vital sea lanes remain open."
As the situation develops, European leaders are expected to discuss the issue at the upcoming European Council summit. Some member states, particularly those with large merchant fleets or heavy reliance on imported energy, are likely to push for a more robust EU response, including possible sanctions on Houthi leaders and increased naval support.
For now, the immediate concern is the safety of seafarers and the uninterrupted flow of goods. The Houthi seizure of Mayyun island is a stark reminder that Europe's economic security is increasingly tied to the stability of distant maritime corridors.
