Houthi Rebels Capture Strategic Island in Yemen Amid Escalating Fighting

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have captured the strategic island of Mayun, also known as Perim, located in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This move is seen as a significant gain for the rebels and a threat to Saudi Arabia's oil exports through one of the world's key commercial lanes.

The capture of Mayun was confirmed by a senior military official with Yemen's internationally recognized government and a Houthi official. The island, about 3.5 kilometers off Yemen's west coast, is a strategic location that could give Tehran more leverage in negotiations with the US.

Saudi Arabia responded to the capture of Mayun with airstrikes against the airport in Mokha, which the Houthis seized on Thursday. There was no immediate report of damage or deaths.