Houthis Seize Strategic Jabal Zuqar Island in Southern Red Sea After Assault

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — Houthi forces have seized control of Jabal Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea following a coordinated campaign of missile strikes and an amphibious assault, marking a significant escalation in the group's military operations in the region. The takeover was confirmed late Wednesday, September 10, 2026, as Houthi commanders declared the island fully under their authority.

The operation began early Wednesday morning with a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting defensive positions on the small, rocky islet located approximately 40 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen. The strikes were immediately followed by an amphibious landing involving speedboats carrying armed fighters who secured key terrain features and established a perimeter around the island's limited infrastructure. By midday, Houthi officials stated that all resistance had been neutralized and their flag was raised over the territory.

Jabal Zuqar holds strategic importance due to its proximity to major international shipping lanes connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Control of the island provides a vantage point for monitoring maritime traffic and potentially deploying coastal defense systems capable of threatening commercial vessels. The seizure represents the first time the Houthi movement has captured a sovereign territory in the southern Red Sea, expanding their operational reach beyond the Yemeni mainland.

Regional naval forces have not yet issued an official statement regarding the status of the island or any plans for intervention. International shipping companies operating in the area have been advised to exercise extreme caution, though no specific rerouting orders have been mandated by maritime authorities as of Wednesday afternoon. The United Nations and several Western nations have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to diplomatic channels, citing concerns over the safety of global trade routes.

The motivations behind the sudden offensive remain unclear. Houthi spokespeople have not provided a specific justification for the timing or objectives of the assault beyond general statements regarding the defense of Yemeni sovereignty. Analysts note that the move could be intended to leverage control of the island in ongoing negotiations or to demonstrate military capability against regional adversaries. However, no official demands have been issued by Houthi leadership regarding the island's future status.

Questions remain regarding the long-term implications of the seizure and how international coalitions will respond to the new reality on the ground. It is currently unknown whether the island will be used as a permanent military outpost or if it serves as a temporary bargaining chip. As the situation develops, the focus remains on preventing further escalation that could disrupt the flow of energy and goods through one of the world's most critical waterways.