Yemen's Houthis Seize Red Sea Island of Mayyun in Bab al-Mandab Area

Yemen's Houthi movement took over Mayyun Island in the middle of the Bab al-Mandab shipping lane on Friday, completing their push to control the strategic maritime area.

The takeover follows an offensive launched last week by the Iran-backed Houthis against Riyadh-backed Yemeni government forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

The waterway is a vital artery for Saudi oil exports and global transit, with Houthi forces now positioned to deploy on hills overlooking the strait.