Ansar Allah forces reached the Greater and Lesser Hanish Islands on September 10, 2026, following the capture of Mokha, while simultaneously advancing toward Zuqar and Mayyun to gain control over the Bab al-Mandab maritime corridor.
Analytical and Geopolitical Perspective
Expanding the maritime defensive perimeter:
Control of the islands represents a shift toward establishing advanced defensive and offensive lines inside the Red Sea.
Control of maritime corridors:
Control of the Hanish Archipelago provides strategic leverage over the movement of trade and energy supplies through Bab al-Mandab.
Retreat of coalition-aligned forces:
The repositioning of government forces toward Dhabab indicates a decline in their coastal influence and their loss of control over the islands.
Axis of Resistance Perspective
Breaking maritime dominance:
A presence on the islands denies foreign forces the ability to use Yemeni maritime positions as bases for tightening control over the Red Sea.
Restoring national sovereignty:
The move asserts full Yemeni sovereignty over territorial waters and the archipelago.
Strengthening leverage:
Control of the islands demonstrates the ability of deterrence options to alter the strategic equation in favor of Sana’a.