Houthis Seize Key Island in Red Sea, Raising Shipping Security Concerns

Yemen's Houthi rebels have taken control of the strategic Mayun island in the Red Sea, which serves as an alternative route for shipping Saudi oil and other exports.

The capture of the island, confirmed by a senior military official with Yemen's internationally recognized government and a Houthi official, has sparked concerns about maritime security.

Saudi Arabia responded to the seizure with airstrikes against the airport in Mokha, which was also captured by the Houthis on Thursday. The Houthi spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that 'maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels.'