Houthis Seize Strategic Island, Raising Shipping Fears

The Houthi rebels in Yemen have captured the strategic island of Mayun at the entrance to the Red Sea, posing a threat to international shipping. The island is a key alternative for shipping Saudi oil and other exports since Iran has been targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The capture was confirmed by a senior military official with Yemen's internationally recognized government and a Houthi official. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to journalists.

Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes against the airport in Yemen's port city of Mokha, which the Houthis captured Thursday. There was no immediate report of damage or deaths.