Houthis Seize Red Sea Isle, Enter U.S. 'Kill Box'
Houthi rebels have seized Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. A former Pentagon official warns this move places the Iran-backed militants within a vulnerable U.S. Navy "kill box," escalating regional tensions and posing new challenges to global shipping.
BREAKING: Houthis Seize Red Sea Isle, Enter U.S. 'Kill Box,' Former Pentagon Official Warns September 13, 2026 – Houthi rebels have seized Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint, a move that a former Pentagon official warns places the Iran-backed militant group into a vulnerable U.S. Navy "kill box." The seizure of the island, strategically positioned at the southern gateway to the Red Sea, significantly escalates regional tensions and poses new challenges to international shipping and naval operations. What Happened: Houthi Seizure of Perim Island Reports confirmed today indicate that Houthi forces have successfully taken control of Perim Island, also known as Mayun Island, located in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This vital waterway connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and ultimately to the Indian Ocean, making it one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The island's strategic location allows for significant control over maritime traffic entering and exiting the Red Sea. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is approximately 18 miles wide at its narrowest point, making it a critical chokepoint for global trade. Any group controlling Perim Island can exert…