Houthis Consolidate Gains and Pause Before the Next Push
A week after breaking through the forces of the Internationally Recognized Government, Houthi rebels have taken Perim Island and the Ras Menhali peninsula and are consolidating their positions. They are setting up municipal administrations, arresting opponents, and imposing taxes, while IRG forces collapsed and left behind weapons. Maritime traffic through the Bab el Mandeb continues for now, but the Houthis plan to focus next on Taiz and Marib.
Why it matters: This matters for the theme of maritime chokepoints, as Houthi consolidation around Bab el Mandeb threatens a key shipping lane.