Houthis Seize Control of Four Strategic Airports Along Red Sea Coast

SANA, Yemen — The Houthi movement announced on Thursday that it has taken control of four airports along the Red Sea coast, marking a significant expansion of its territorial reach in a region critical to global maritime trade. The group confirmed the capture of facilities on Mayun Island and Perim Island, as well as airfields at Zukur Island, Al-Makha, and Dhubab.

The takeover occurred early Thursday morning, with Houthi fighters moving into the locations without reported resistance from Yemeni government forces or international coalitions. The four sites are strategically positioned to monitor and influence shipping lanes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint through which millions of barrels of oil and vast quantities of commercial cargo pass daily.

The Mayun Island facility, located near the entrance to the Gulf of Aden, and Perim Island, situated directly in the strait, are particularly vital for controlling access between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The airfields at Al-Makha and Dhubab on the mainland provide additional logistical depth for operations along the coast.

Yemeni government officials have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the loss of these installations. In recent weeks, Houthi forces have steadily advanced in southern governorates, but the simultaneous seizure of four distinct airfields represents an acceleration of their military campaign. The group has historically cited the need to secure Yemen's sovereignty and protect its borders as justification for such operations, though no specific tactical objective was detailed in the initial announcement regarding these airports.

International shipping companies have expressed concern over the development, with several major carriers reviewing their routing protocols through the Red Sea corridor. The presence of Houthi forces at these airfields could complicate efforts by naval coalitions to maintain safe passage for commercial vessels, which have faced intermittent attacks in the region since late 2023.

The strategic implications extend beyond immediate military control. Possession of these airports allows the Houthis to potentially deploy surveillance assets or ground-based systems capable of monitoring air and sea traffic more effectively. However, the operational capabilities currently being established at these sites remain unclear.

Questions remain regarding the long-term intent behind the seizure. It is not yet known whether the group plans to use the facilities for military transshipment, civilian administration, or as bargaining chips in broader regional negotiations. Diplomatic channels are reportedly active as neighboring states and international partners assess the new security landscape.

As of late Thursday, no casualties were reported during the transfer of control at any of the four locations. The situation remains fluid, with observers waiting to see if the Yemeni government or its allies will attempt to retake the positions in the coming days.