Houthis Capture Red Sea Island, Threaten Global Shipping
Houthi rebels in Yemen have captured a strategic island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key commercial lane that accounts for about 12% of global shipping. The island, known as Mayun or Perim, is about 3.5 kilometers off Yemen's west coast.
The capture of Mayun by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels has raised concerns about the threat to international shipping and Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea. In response, Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes against the airport in Mokha, a key port city seized by the Houthis on Thursday.
Iran's Foreign Ministry called for an end to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen and an immediate return to negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The ministry stated that Yemen's sovereignty must be respected and its problems cannot be resolved through a blockade or military alliances.