Houthis seize Mayyun Island, consolidate control of Bab al-Mandeb strait
Source Summary
Houthi fighters have seized Mayyun Island following the withdrawal of government forces, strengthening the Iran-backed group's control over the strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The capture tightens the Houthis' grip on the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical maritime chokepoint.
Why it matters
Control of Bab al-Mandeb is strategically vital as it is a major global shipping route through which significant international maritime traffic passes.
