Yemen’s Houthis control the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait after seizing Mayyun Island, also known as Perim Island, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported.
Located at the centre of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Mayyun Island is a key monitoring point overlooking the vital maritime passage.
Two Yemeni sources also told Reuters that Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces had withdrawn from Perim Island.
The development came after Houthis seized the western coastal city of Mocha, forcing the government forces to retreat toward the south and the city of Dhubab.
Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree was also reported as saying that navigation in the Red Sea was safe except for Saudi ships, suggesting the group now has control over the Strait of Mandeb.
