Houthis' Energy Chokepoint Grab Fuels Global Trade Fears

Yemen's Houthis have launched a rapid advance along the country's Red Sea coast, seizing control of strategic ports and islands that dominate the Bab al-Mandab strait.

The waterway is a vital energy chokepoint for global trade, with over half of the world's oil supplies passing through it.

This development is the latest consequence of US President Donald Trump's war against Iran in late February.

Tehran's allies in the Middle East jumped into the fray after the US and Israel launched their attacks, with Shia militias in Iraq attacking US bases and diplomatic outposts.

However, the Houthis initially stayed on the sidelines but have since changed their tactics and entered the conflict in full force.