Houthis Capture Strategic Island, Bolstering Iran's Control Over Global Energy

Yemen's Houthi forces have expanded their control of the Bab al-Mandab strait, capturing the strategic island of Perim. The volcanic island divides the waterway in two, close to its narrowest point.

The capture follows a series of reverses for forces allied with the UN-backed government, including the loss of the port city of Mocha on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia has mounted air raids on Houthi positions in Mocha, but the Houthis have hailed their advances as a major victory. They claim to have released hundreds of prisoners 'held by the Saudi enemy's mercenaries for years'.

The capture of Perim strengthens Iran's hand in negotiations over control of the strait of Hormuz and puts pressure on the US to lift its blockade of Iranian oil ports.