Houthis Seize Key Yemen Island, Complete Takeover of Strategic Waterway

Yemen's Houthi rebels have completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandab area after seizing key Red Sea island Mayyun, also known as Perim. This strategic waterway is crucial to Saudi oil exports and links Asia to Europe via the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

The Iran-backed Houthis launched a large-scale offensive last week against Saudi-backed government forces, scoring one victory after another in fighting that has left hundreds dead.

With their drones and missiles, the Houthis have been able to disrupt traffic in the Red Sea. Despite Saudi Arabia's airstrikes, they have failed to stop the Houthis' lightning advance.