Houthis' Red Sea Grab Threatens Global Shipping Routes

The Houthis, once known as Iran's 'merchants of chaos', have taken control of strategic islands in the Red Sea and are putting Saudi Arabia in a difficult position. They captured Mokha, a major port city, and the island of Perim, giving them almost complete control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline.

This allows them to harass shipping more easily and establish themselves as the powerbroker in this critical waterway. The Houthis have already fired at Saudi oil facilities and tankers that attempted to navigate the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Analysts warn that the Houthis' growing assertiveness could open a new front in the Middle Eastern conflict, making it difficult for countries like Saudi Arabia to export oil and gas. The US and its allies may be forced to intervene, but President Trump has called off planned military strikes against the Houthis.