Houthis seize 2 strategic Red Sea islands, and other Mideast developments
The Houthi rebels have seized control of the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the southern Red Sea, enhancing their control over a key maritime shipping route. This development comes as Saudi-backed government forces attempt to regain territory around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial alternative shipping route to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has accused Saudi Arabia of orchestrating Oman's decision to postpone a meeting with regional countries to discuss the Strait of Hormuz. In Iraq, an ammonia gas leak at a fertilizer plant resulted in two deaths and over 100 injuries. China has expressed deep concern over Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and the potential escalation of the conflict.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Houthis seize key Hanish islands in southern Red Sea middleeasteye.net
- Houthis capture more Yemeni Red Sea islands, tightening grip on Bab el-Mandeb euronews.com
- Houthis seize additional Red Sea islands, tightening grip on key shipping route haaretz.com
- Yemen's Houthi rebels seize more key islands in Red Sea to grip shipping route abc.net.au
