Yemen's Houthi rebels took control of a strategic island and port in the Red Sea, in a significant advance in their attempt to dominate the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, a crucial point for world trade. Members of the Iran-backed Shia militia launched a major offensive from the north of the country.
The Houthis managed to take control of the entire Al Hudeida province on Yemen's west coast, in addition to the port city of Mocha and Zuqar Island, located a few kilometers from the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb.
This advance represents a new blow to the Yemeni government and to the military coalition supporting it, led by Saudi Arabia. Control of these territories strengthens the position of the Houthi rebels in one of the world's most important maritime routes.
