Mayun Island… Power Struggle Intensifies at the Gateway of Bab al-Mandab Amid Rapid International Movements
Intelligence report reveals a regional and international race to control the strategic location and its impact on maritime and energy security
NYN | Reports and Analyses
The French intelligence-focused publication Intelligence Online has revealed a notable escalation in regional and international competition over Yemen’s Mayun Island, located at the heart of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, amid accelerating moves aimed at securing control over this vital strategic site.
Growing Strategic Importance
According to the report, Mayun Island represents a pivotal point in one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, where it could become a “chokepoint” for international shipping in the event of rising tensions. This would grant whoever controls it significant leverage over global trade flows and energy supplies.
The report noted that the island’s strategic importance has pushed several actors to strengthen their military and logistical presence, whether through establishing field bases or intensifying intelligence activities in the Red Sea region.
U.S. Movements and Emirati Cover
The report indicated growing U.S. efforts, alongside intensified moves by the Israeli entity, aimed at consolidating influence on the island under Emirati cover. This includes developing military and logistical infrastructure that enables close monitoring of maritime traffic through Bab al-Mandab.
The publication added that the UAE is among the most active actors on the ground, working to enhance its capabilities on the island, thereby securing an advanced role in controlling and safeguarding maritime routes.
A Competition for Influence Without Direct Confrontation
The report noted that the competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE takes an indirect form, describing it as a “quiet race” between the two sides to consolidate influence in the region through establishing field positions and securing strategic points, without sliding into open confrontation.
Implications for Energy and Trade Security
The publication emphasized that the struggle over Mayun Island is not limited to its military dimension, but extends to global energy security, given that a significant share of oil exports and international trade passes through Bab al-Mandab.
The report concluded that the continuation of this competition reflects the island’s growing importance, particularly amid regional tensions, making it one of the most critical anchor points in the equation of global maritime security.
