Yemen's Houthis close in on stranglehold over strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have taken control of the historic port city of Mocha, gaining increased leverage over the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route. The Houthis are targeting strategic Red Sea islands of Hanish, pushing Yemeni government forces and allies south to Dhubab, which sits directly on the strait.

Escalating fighting between Saudi-led government forces and the Houthis threatens global energy supplies. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, known as the Gate of Tears, is crucial for crude oil and fuel trade from the Gulf to the Mediterranean, and blocking it could isolate Gulf oil-producing countries from shipping routes. The conflict in Yemen, already a humanitarian crisis, is intensifying, with Iran and the United States exchanging attacks on shipping in the Gulf region.

Pakistan warned Iran to rein in the Houthis, as the group has intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, threatening the stability of the region and the world's energy markets.