Houthis Seize Red Sea Island
Yemen's Houthis captured a strategic island near Bab al-Mandab, threatening shipping.
September 13, 2026 · Updated Sep 13, 6:52pm ET
Raw StoryTrump’s Iran leverage crumbles as new ‘inflationary shock’ threat materializes: experts
NPRYemen's Houthis capture a Red Sea island in threat to shipping
Epoch TimesHouthis Capture Strategic Island in Bab al-Mandab Strait
ABC NewsSomalis rethink trade routes as Houthis disrupt established shipping channels
FOX NewsHouthis enter US 'kill box' after seizing Red Sea 'cork,' former Pentagon official warns
Breitbart NewsIran-Backed Houthis Capture Strategic Red Sea Island
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Pano rates the coverage Balanced.
What happened
Houthi forces captured Perim Island, also called Mayyun, at the entrance to the Red Sea, after taking Mokha on Yemen’s coast. Government-aligned sources said the Houthis also took nearby Dhubab. Saudi Arabia then struck Mokha’s airport, with no immediate sign whether ground fighting would follow. About 12% of world goods typically pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for Saudi oil exports. Thousands of Yemenis fled to Djibouti.
How the left told it
Raw Story framed the seizure as a boost to Iran’s leverage and a setback for Donald Trump’s talks with Tehran. It said the island splits a major shipping chokepoint into two channels, making passage risky without Houthi approval. The outlet also cited warnings that more disruption could bring a global “inflationary shock” and make pressure in the Strait of Hormuz more effective.
How the right told it
Right-leaning coverage stressed the military risk and the threat to global shipping. Fox News said the Iran-backed Houthis opened a new front at a vital chokepoint, while a former Pentagon official argued they were exposed to U.S. power. Breitbart News said the Houthis took Mokha with help from Iran. Epoch Times reported shipping through the strait has dropped by about 60% since Houthi attacks began.
Saudi-Houthi Conflict
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Sep 13Houthis Claim Saudi AttacksBalanced
- Sep 13Saudi Pipeline Shut After AttackMostly Center
- Sep 13Houthis Seize Red Sea Island (this story)Balanced
- Sep 11Houthis Advance In YemenLeans Left
- Sep 11Trump Rejects Saudi Houthi PleaBalanced
