Houthis, backed by Iran, have seized a strategic island at the southern end of the Red Sea, according to reports. The move comes as the group also attacked a Saudi oil pipeline, setting it on fire. The attacks, which occurred near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, have raised concerns about the stability of key shipping routes.
A senior Saudi official told The Wall Street Journal that the attacks originated from Iraq, where Iranian-backed militias have been targeting Saudi infrastructure. This marks a new front in the regional conflict, with the Houthis expanding their influence. The seizure of the island and the pipeline strike have intensified fears of a broader war involving Iran and the United States.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping corridor, is now under increased threat. If the Houthis gain full control, Iran could gain a strategic advantage in its conflict with the U.S. Further disrupting oil supplies and driving up prices. The situation has prompted warnings about the safety of maritime routes in the region.
Yemen’s government army has begun bombing a designated military zone near the port city of Mocha, which was recently seized by the Houthis. This escalation highlights the growing complexity of the conflict, with multiple actors vying for control of vital resources and strategic locations.
