Houthis Capture Strategic Island Near Key Shipping Lane

The Yemeni conflict has taken a dramatic turn as the Houthi rebels capture a strategic island near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping lane. The Houthis' biggest territorial gains in years have given Iran a boost in its strategy to drive up world oil and gas prices.

Saudi Arabia responded by striking the airport in the nearby port city of Mokha, but there were no reports of damage or deaths. The capture of Mayun Island, also known as Perim, has made it more complicated for Saudi Arabia to get its crude to market via the Red Sea.

Iran's government called for an end to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Houthi-held areas and a return to negotiations between the two sides. The Houthis have been attacking Saudi shipping on the Red Sea since declaring a blockade in July, as well as oil infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia.