Officials say Yemen’s Iran-aligned rebels have captured additional strategic islands in the southern Red Sea, potentially tightening their grip on one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
The reported seizures could give the Houthis greater ability to monitor or disrupt commercial traffic moving between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal.
The southern Red Sea is vital for global trade, carrying energy supplies, consumer goods and other cargo between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
The developments add to concerns over regional security, particularly as the Houthis have previously threatened or attacked vessels they associate with Israel amid the war in Gaza.
Any expanded presence on the islands could complicate efforts by international naval forces to protect shipping and deter further attacks.
Officials did not immediately provide details on which islands were captured, how many fighters were involved or whether the move had affected maritime traffic. The report could not be independently verified.