Houthis seize Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast
The Iran-backed Houthis have seized control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coast, capturing three strategic islands and securing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern gateway to the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The developments are expected to deepen the Middle East war's impact on international commerce following the recent Iran-blockaded Strait of Hormuz.
A government official confirmed the Houthi takeover of the Bab al-Mandab area and Mayyun Island, along with all other islands in the narrow waterway. Witness reports indicate gunmen are deploying along the Bab al-Mandab shore and driving military vehicles. The Houthi capture of the islands, especially Mayyun in the middle of the strait, increases their ability to target Saudi tankers.
Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel, and US diesel prices topped $6 for the first time, potentially affecting President Donald Trump ahead of midterm elections. The Houthi offensive has resulted in over 500 deaths and displaced about 46,000 people. The conflict is part of the ongoing civil war in divided Yemen, which began in 2014 with the Houthis' takeover of the capital, Sanaa.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
