Yemen's Ansarullah movement has taken control of the Hanish Islands in the southern Red Sea, marking another significant territorial advance near the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.

According to the Associated Press (AP), citing Ansarullah sources and officials from Yemen's Saudi-backed government, the group deployed its forces to the Hanish archipelago after hundreds of pro-government fighters withdrew from the islands.

The officials and an Ansarullah spokesman said the deployment took place on islands located about 160 kilometres from the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints.

Strategic islands secured

According to AP, Ansarullah has established control over both Greater Hanish and Little Hanish islands.

The movement had previously taken control of Zukar Island, located in the northern part of the archipelago, extending its presence across a strategically important section of the southern Red Sea.

The latest advance places Ansarullah in control of additional territory overlooking shipping routes linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Tehran denies involvement

AP reported that the latest developments represent Ansarullah's most significant territorial gains in Yemen in recent years and could strengthen Iran's regional influence amid continuing tensions with the United States.

Iran, however, rejected suggestions that it was involved in the latest developments.

According to Al Jazeera, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had "no connection whatsoever" with the events unfolding in Yemen.

Fighting intensifies again

The conflict in Yemen began in 2014 and had remained relatively subdued following a 2022 truce.

However, fighting intensified again in early July 2026 as clashes escalated between Saudi-backed government forces and Ansarullah fighters across several parts of the country.

Last week, Ansarullah launched a new offensive that resulted in its taking control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline, including areas adjacent to the Bab al-Mandab Strait as well as Perim and Zukar islands, further consolidating its position along one of the world's most strategic maritime corridors.(ILKHA)