On September 11, Iran-backed Houthi rebels took control of Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This shift creates new tensions at a crucial point for global shipping, as a former Pentagon official cautioned that the militants have now entered a vulnerable position, described as a “kill box.”
The capture followed a month-long campaign along Yemen’s western coast, which resulted in over 1,500 military fatalities and led Yemen’s government to admit to a “painful” loss, according to reports.
“With Perim, they’ve secured what we could call the cork in the Red Sea bottle,” stated Morgan Murphy, a retired Navy captain and former Pentagon press secretary, during his conversation with Fox News Digital.
However, he also expressed concern about the Houthis’ precarious position, stating, “They’re nowhere near the capability of the United States and if the president chooses to act, he can easily obliterate them.”
Perim Island’s strategic significance is not lost on military analysts. Despite its location in a narrow maritime passage, Murphy explained how the rebels have made themselves vulnerable to concentrated attacks. “Perim cuts that chokepoint right in half; it’s only 18 miles wide there.” The island has historically been a naval strongpoint, previously sought after by colonial powers, including the French and the British.
Located about 20 miles from the Horn of Africa, Perim also lies near Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, which is one of the largest U.S. military bases on the continent. Murphy emphasized, “We have incredible firepower in that region, and that’s just a bit of rock in the strait. It’s inhospitable and uninhabitable.” He added, “The Houthis have concentrated their forces on that rock. In Navy terms, it’s a kill box.”
Recent satellite images indicate a 1.85-kilometer runway and military hangars on the island, relics of prior construction efforts by the United Arab Emirates.
Murphy further commented on the potential of that runway, stating, “It’s nice to have an airstrip, but we don’t know its condition or how the Houthis could use it. They certainly lack the advanced air power that the U.S. and its allies possess.” He highlighted the overwhelming options available to the U.S. military should they decide to target Perim, suggesting that practically any response could eradicate Houthi presence there.
This development coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Washington, Riyadh, and the Houthis. Notably, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reached out to President Trump on September 10, urging direct military action against the Houthis. Trump opted against direct intervention, with officials pointing out that there are no immediate plans for U.S. combat, although intelligence support would continue.
In discussions on September 12, Trump remarked that the Houthis expressed reluctance to engage in conflict with the U.S., suggesting they wish to avoid direct confrontation. However, Murphy warned that any signs of restraint from the U.S. should not be misconstrued as a lack of will to use force if necessary.
According to various sources, the Iranian supply of weapons and the tactical direction provided by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have bolstered the Houthi advance. U.S. officials estimate that a significant number of IRGC officers remain active in Yemen, influencing the conflict.
Murphy suggested that Tehran’s strategy appears aimed at increasing global fuel prices by obstructing key shipping routes. Comparing this scenario to past naval conflicts, he underlined the stark disparity in capabilities: “The Houthis are employing outdated tactics, and their capacity is nowhere near that of the world’s major powers.” He concluded with a reminder about the importance of naval strength for global powers, illustrating how these regional tensions affect vital trade routes worldwide.
