Houthis Seize Red Sea Island, Gain Control Over Key Oil Export Route

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have taken control of a key Red Sea island in Yemen's Bab al Mandeb area, a crucial waterway for Saudi oil exports.

The Houthis launched a large-scale offensive against Saudi-backed government forces last week, resulting in a series of victories that have left hundreds dead.

Saudi Arabia has responded with dozens of air strikes, including two hitting Mocha airport on Friday, according to Houthi media.

Bab al Mandeb connects Asia and Europe via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, making it a vital transit route for oil exports from Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter.