Houthi rebels have occupied Mayyun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yemeni Houthi rebels have taken control of Mayyun Island, also known as Perim, located in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, following the withdrawal of Yemeni government forces. The information was provided by a local official and witnesses cited by AFP.

Boats carrying armed Houthi fighters arrived on the island, and witnesses reported that the armed men deployed along the shore and moved around in military vehicles. According to reports, this operation would mark the completion of the group's efforts to control the strategic area.

Mayyun Island lies at a key point in the strait connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and divides one of the main maritime routes between Asia and Europe into two shipping lanes. Control of the island would allow the Houthis to monitor naval traffic more easily and exert pressure on commercial vessels.

The advance comes after the capture of positions along the Red Sea coast and the occupation of the port city of Mocha. The group, backed by Iran, is fighting against government forces supported by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The conflict has lasted for more than a decade, and the Houthis already control most of northern and western Yemen.