The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have captured Perim Island in the vital Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a move a former Pentagon official warns has placed them in a strategic “kill box” vulnerable to overwhelming U.S. firepower. This capture, following a month-long offensive that resulted in over 1,500 soldier casualties and a significant defeat for Yemen’s government, effectively gives the Houthis control of the “cork in the Red Sea bottle,” according to retired Navy Captain Morgan Murphy. Despite possessing a runway on the desolate volcanic island, Murphy emphasized that the Houthis lack the sophisticated air power to challenge the United States, whose military holds “incredible firepower in that region.” He stated that the U.S. could easily “wipe that rock into glass” if the president chose to act, highlighting the strategic disadvantage of the Houthi position, especially with U.S. military installations like Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti in close proximity. This development occurs amidst diplomatic efforts, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urging President Trump to authorize military strikes, though the U.S. administration currently plans no direct combat involvement but will continue intelligence assistance. Trump himself indicated the Houthis have signaled a desire to avoid confrontation. Murphy cautioned against misinterpreting U.S. restraint as a lack of resolve, suggesting that the administration would not hesitate to use force if global energy supplies are significantly disrupted. The Houthi advance is reportedly sustained by Iranian weaponry and tactical direction from the IRGC, a strategy Murphy believes aims to inflate global fuel prices by disrupting critical shipping lanes. He contrasted the Houthis’ “19th-century playbook” with modern warfare, asserting that their control of the strait, while significant, is precarious against major global powers and underscored the historical importance of strong navies in maintaining freedom of navigation in critical waterways.
Adapted from: Latest & Breaking News on Fox News
