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Saudi-led coalition recaptured Perim Island from Houthi forces
Yemeni government-aligned forces, led by the Southern Giants Brigades, launched a ground offensive to retake Perim Island following a Houthi seizure of the territory on September 11. The operation included a three-day ultimatum and a siege of Houthi barracks in Dhubab.
The Saudi-led coalition supported the ground assault with air strikes, reporting the destruction of 136 military targets overnight on October 9, 2026. The coalition stated these strikes dismantled Houthi ballistic missile networks and personnel capabilities in the region.
Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber confirmed that the island and strategic military positions were cleared of Houthi elements on October 9, 2026. The recapture restored government control over territory nearest to international shipping lanes in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki announced on October 10, 2026, that the coalition and Yemeni government forces had officially regained control of the island. The coalition maintained 24-hour air support to secure the area following the conclusion of the large-scale military operation.
The story so far
edited Oct 10 · 2 paragraphs changedWhat is happening
Saudi-led coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki confirmed on October 10 that Perim Island and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait were cleared of Houthi elements 13. Yemeni government forces regained control of the island, also known as Mayun, following a large-scale military operation that destroyed 136 Houthi targets 13. The offensive included 24-hour air support and targeted ballistic missile networks and personnel 13. Footage released on October 10 showed Houthi fighters fleeing by sea as government troops advanced 13.
Control of the island determines access to territory nearest international shipping lanes 1. On Polymarket, the outcome for October 15 is priced at 28%, while October 31 is at 44% (at writing), November 30 is at 62% (at writing), and December 31 leads at 63% (at writing).
updated Oct 10 · 1 earlier version
Updated with the October 10 confirmation that the island was cleared of Houthi elements and the latest Polymarket odds [13].
Yemeni government-aligned forces captured Perim Island and regained control of areas around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on October 9 1. The Southern Giants Brigades, supported by air strikes, seized the island and strategic military positions after a three-day ultimatum and a siege of Houthi barracks in Dhubab 2. Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber confirmed the area was cleared of Houthi elements on October 9 2. The Saudi-led coalition reported destroying 136 military targets overnight Friday to dismantle Houthi ballistic missile networks and support the ground offensive 3.
Control of the island determines access to territory nearest international shipping lanes 1. On Polymarket, the outcome for October 15 is priced at 34%, while October 31 is at 43%, November 30 is at 53%, and December 31 leads at 63%.
What to watch
A statement from the Yemeni government, the Saudi-led coalition, or a UN monitoring mission would confirm that Houthi forces have withdrawn from Perim Island. Satellite imagery or independent verification published by a reputable outlet showing the absence of Houthi military presence on the island would also settle the status of the territory. A declaration by the Houthi leadership acknowledging loss of control over Perim Island would serve as further confirmation. The absence of credible reports of Houthi activity on the island for a continuous 48-hour period, as reported by at least two major news agencies, would establish the end of their presence.
Read the full brief · how we got here
How we got here
Houthi forces seized Perim Island on September 11 14. The seizure followed a broader escalation where Houthi rebels overran territory in southwest Yemen 4. The Saudi-led coalition launched wide-scale operations, including air strikes, to reclaim these strategic positions 34. Perim Island, also known as Mayun, sits at the mouth of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane for global oil and trade 1112.
updated Oct 10 · 1 earlier version
Updated the citation for the September 11 seizure to include source [14].
Houthi forces seized Perim Island on September 11 78. The seizure followed a broader escalation where Houthi rebels overran territory in southwest Yemen 4. The Saudi-led coalition launched wide-scale operations, including air strikes, to reclaim these strategic positions 34. Perim Island, also known as Mayun, sits at the mouth of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping lane for global oil and trade 1112.
References · 10
- 1understandingwar.org — Iran Update, October 9, 2026 | ISW
- 2yemenmonitor.com — Bab al-Mandab Strait and Mayyun Island Declared Under Control Amid Ongoing Military Operations Against Houthis - Yemen Monitor
- 3english.alarabiya.net — Saudi-led coalition carries out wide-scale operations against Yemen’s Houthis
- 4latimes.com — A Saudi-led coalition says it has reclaimed territory overrun by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels
- 7ethanchorin.substack.com — The Houthis’ ‘Island In The Strait’ Is Yemen’s Lesser Loss
- 8studies.aljazeera.net — Expansion and Exposure: The Paradox of Houthi Control of Bab al-Mandeb | Al Jazeera Centre for Studies
- 11apnews.com — Saudi Arabia shuts down a pipeline as Houthis seize an island | AP News
- 12reuters.com — Gulf oil threatened anew as Houthis reach key island and ...
- 1324newshd.tv — Bab Al-Mandab cleared of Houthis as Saudi-led coalition destroys 136 targets
- 14globalsecurity.org — Houthis seize strategic Perim Island in Bab el-Mandab Strait
What was resolved
1 of 4 metTimeline
2newest firstSaudi-led coalition confirms Bab Al-Mandab and Perim Island cleared of Houthi forces following large-scale operation
The Saudi-led coalition and Yemeni government forces have officially regained control of Perim (Mayun) Island and the Bab Al-Mandab Strait as of October 10, following a large-scale military operation that destroyed 136 Houthi targets 1. This development directly addresses the status of Houthi control over the island.
- Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki confirmed the area was cleared of Houthi elements and that coalition forces are providing 24-hour air support to Yemeni troops 1.
- The operation targeted Houthi personnel and ballistic missile networks to dismantle their capabilities in the region 1.
- On Polymarket, the outcome for October 15 is priced at 28%, October 31 is at 44% (at writing), November 30 is at 62% (at writing), and December 31 leads at 63% (at writing).
Full analysiswritten from the full pages behind this update
What happened — the development in detail
Yemeni government forces and the Saudi-led coalition regained control of Perim Island and the Bab al-Mandab Strait on October 10 1. The capture followed a large-scale military operation that destroyed 136 Houthi targets, including personnel, ballistic missile networks, and three rocket launch platforms 1. Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki confirmed the area was cleared of Houthi elements after coalition aircraft provided 24-hour air support to Yemeni troops 1.
Footage released by the coalition on October 10 showed Houthi fighters fleeing their positions by sea as government forces advanced 1. This offensive reversed the Houthi seizure of the island, also known as Mayun, which occurred on September 11 2. During that earlier escalation, Houthi fighters had taken the island to complete their control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait 2. The recent coalition strikes also targeted Houthi capabilities in the northwestern governorate of Saada and responded to Houthi attacks on Riyadh international airport that killed three people on October 8 1.
Why it matters
The recovery of Perim Island restores government control over a landmass that divides the Bab al-Mandab Strait into two channels, a geography that dictates the security of international shipping and energy tankers 2. A regional source briefed on Saudi policy stated on October 9 that Saudi Arabia will not agree to a ceasefire or truce until the Yemeni government regains all territory lost during the Houthi advances of the previous month 1. This position ties the cessation of hostilities directly to the physical occupation of these strategic coastal zones 1.
For the settlement of the Polymarket question, the confirmed clearing of Houthi elements by the Saudi-led coalition and the reported control by Yemeni government forces on October 10 addresses the status of Houthi control 1. The market currently prices the October 15 outcome at 28%, while October 31 is at 44% (at writing). The November 30 outcome is priced at 62% (at writing), and December 31 leads at 63% (at writing).
What's next
The Saudi-led coalition is continuing 24-hour air operations to support Yemeni Armed Forces as they secure the reclaimed territory 1. The coalition has stated it will continue to dismantle Houthi ballistic missile networks to prevent further threats to regional security and civilian infrastructure 1.
A formal declaration from the Houthi leadership acknowledging the loss of Mayun Island or a verified independent report from a monitoring mission would provide further confirmation of the withdrawal. The absence of Houthi military activity on the island for a continuous 48-hour period, verified by major news agencies, would establish the permanence of the change in control. Saudi Arabia has indicated it will maintain its military resolve until all recently lost territories are recovered, ruling out negotiations for a truce in the immediate term 1.
When we started following: Yemeni government forces recapture Perim Island from Houthi militia
Yemeni government-aligned forces captured Perim Island and regained control of areas around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait on October 9 1. The Southern Giants Brigades, supported by air strikes, seized the island and strategic military positions after a three-day ultimatum and a siege of Houthi barracks in Dhubab 2. Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber confirmed the area was cleared of Houthi elements on October 9 2. The Saudi-led coalition reported destroying 136 military targets overnight Friday to dismantle Houthi ballistic missile networks and support the ground offensive 3.
These developments follow a September 11 Houthi seizure of the island 78. The recapture reduces Houthi access to territory nearest international shipping lanes 1. The market for Perim Island no longer being under Houthi control by October 15 is priced at 34%, while October 31 leads at 43% (at writing) and December 31 at 63% (at writing) on Polymarket.