Houthis 'take control' of key island in global shipping route
4 days ago
- Houthi rebels have taken control of Perim Island in the Red Sea, located on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key shipping route between Asia and Europe.
- The move threatens global maritime trade, especially as Houthis claim the strait is safe except for Saudi vessels.
- The escalation follows a 'lightning' advance by Houthis, who have reportedly seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast.
- This could pressure global energy markets, particularly affecting Saudi Arabia, a top oil producer, and the US has offered intelligence support but not direct military action.