Houthis Seize Key Island in Red Sea Shipping Lane
The Houthi rebels in Yemen, backed by Iran, have seized an island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping lane. The capture of Mayun, also known as Perim, was confirmed by a senior military official with Yemen's internationally recognized government and a Houthi official. This move has opened a new front in the Iran war and threatens Saudi oil exports through one of the world's most important shipping routes.
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. The rebels said they acted in response to the kingdom's years-long blockade of Houthi-held parts of Yemen.
The capture of Mayun has given Iran more leverage in any talks, with crude prices soaring above $100 a barrel this week. The Houthis have vowed 'escalation for escalation' in their confrontation with Saudi Arabia, declaring that 'maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels.'