New trenches, military buildings and fortifications on the strategic island signal an Iranian effort to consolidate its military presence following the Houthi takeover of Yemen’s western coast and Bab al-Mandab.

 The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has begun constructing a military base on Yemen’s Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea, approximately 150 kilometres north of Mayyun Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Yemeni intelligence sources told Sheba Intelligence.

According to the sources, intelligence obtained by Yemeni authorities indicates that the IRGC has begun digging trenches and constructing military buildings and fortifications on the island, which lies less than 50 kilometres off Yemen’s western coast near Al-Khawkhah, south of Hodeidah.

The sources said the island’s mountainous terrain and volcanic landscape provide favourable conditions for constructing fortified military installations.

The reported construction is part of a broader Iranian effort to establish a long-term military presence on Yemen’s western coast and its strategic islands following the Houthis’ recent territorial gains around Bab al-Mandab.

The intelligence suggests that the IRGC is expanding its military infrastructure beyond coastal positions around Mocha and Bab al-Mandab to islands farther north in the Red Sea.

A Strategic Island Previously Held by Yemeni Forces

Zuqar Island is part of Yemen’s Hanish archipelago in the southern Red Sea. Covering approximately 130 square kilometres, the island has rugged volcanic terrain and mountainous elevations exceeding 600 metres.

Its position north of Bab al-Mandab gives it strategic importance for monitoring maritime traffic between the strait and Yemen’s Red Sea ports.

Before the recent Houthi takeover, the island hosted Yemeni naval forces affiliated with the National Resistance led by Presidential Leadership Council member Tariq Saleh. Earlier, it had been held by Tihama Resistance units and Yemeni Coast Guard personnel.

The island also underwent military infrastructure development in recent years, including the construction of an approximately two-kilometre airstrip and associated facilities.

The Houthis captured Zuqar during their September offensive along Yemen’s western coast, which also brought Mocha, Dhubab, Mayyun Island and other positions around Bab al-Mandab under their control.

The reported IRGC construction raises questions about whether the existing airstrip and military facilities will be incorporated into the new base.

IRGC Moves to Consolidate Its Control of Bab al-Mandab

The new intelligence follows a Sheba Intelligence investigation revealing that the IRGC had assigned a specialised team of 12 Iranian experts to oversee military and security operations around Bab al-Mandab from a secret headquarters in Mocha.

According to intelligence sources cited in that investigation, the team was granted extensive authority following its role in managing the military operations that enabled the Houthis to break through Yemeni government defences and capture strategic positions along the western coast.

Its responsibilities include constructing military fortifications, deploying radar systems, establishing multiple communications networks and installing maritime surveillance equipment along the coastline from Al-Khawkhah to Mocha, Dhubab and Bab al-Mandab.

The team also coordinates with Houthi military commanders to implement operational plans and consolidate control over recently captured territory.

The reported construction on Zuqar Island would extend these activities into the Red Sea, providing the IRGC with an additional military position beyond its coastal installations.

From the Bab al-Mandab Offensive to a Permanent Military Presence

On September 8, Sheba Intelligence reported that the IRGC had developed a military plan for a major offensive along Yemen’s western coast, with Iranian, Lebanese and Iraqi experts involved in operational planning and logistical support.

The offensive subsequently enabled the Houthis to capture Mocha and expand their control towards Dhubab, Mayyun Island and other strategic positions around Bab al-Mandab.

According to intelligence previously obtained by Sheba Intelligence, the IRGC subsequently began implementing military and security arrangements intended to consolidate these territorial gains.

These arrangements include fortified military installations, radar and surveillance systems, communications networks and preparations for potential maritime weapons deliveries to Houthi-controlled areas.

Intelligence sources also reported Iranian efforts to establish intelligence and logistical networks involving fishermen, civilians and military personnel along Yemen’s western coast.

The latest information concerning Zuqar Island indicates that these arrangements are expanding from coastal positions to Yemen’s offshore islands.

Expanding Iran’s Military Footprint in the Red Sea

The reported construction of a military base on Zuqar Island marks a potential new phase in the IRGC’s efforts to establish a lasting military presence in the southern Red Sea.

According to Yemeni intelligence sources, the new fortifications form part of Iranian efforts to secure recently captured territory and strengthen military positions around Bab al-Mandab.

Zuqar’s location north of the strait could provide an additional position for maritime surveillance and military operations, complementing the IRGC-backed infrastructure reportedly being developed along Yemen’s western coast.

The island’s existing airstrip and military facilities could also increase its strategic value if incorporated into the reported Iranian project.

The expansion comes amid concerns over potential weapons shipments to Houthi-controlled ports and coastal areas, including deliveries involving larger vessels or smaller boats operating between offshore islands and the mainland.

If completed, the reported base would extend the IRGC’s military presence beyond Bab al-Mandab into the southern Red Sea, strengthening its ability to sustain operations and consolidate its position along one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

Sheba Intelligence has not independently verified the extent of the new construction or established whether the IRGC has begun installing additional weapons, radar systems or other military equipment on the island.