Houthi forces’ mid-September capture of Mokha port and Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has strengthened their ability to enforce the July maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked vessels, elevating risks to oil flows rerouted from the disrupted Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose above $105 per barrel on supply concerns, while Saudi output fell to roughly 6.2 million barrels per day in August amid pipeline attacks and lower Red Sea transits. These territorial gains provide artillery and boarding options near the chokepoint handling several million barrels daily, though no confirmed tanker seizure has occurred. Traders monitor upcoming data on strait crossings, war-risk premiums, and any escalation in Houthi operations against commercial shipping through October.