Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have captured the strategic island of Mayun in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea. This could further threaten Saudi oil exports through one of the world’s key commercial shipping lanes. The capture of Mayun, a small and barren volcanic island also known as Perim, was confirmed by a senior military official from Yemen’s internationally recognised government and a Houthi official. The island lies about 3.5 kilometres off Yemen’s western coast.
Saudi Arabia responded with airstrikes on the airport in the key port city of Mokha, which the Houthis seized yesterday. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Earlier on Friday, Iran’s government called for an end to Saudi Arabia’s blockade of Yemen and expressed support for its ally, the Houthis. In its first statement since the rebels entered Mokha, Iran’s Foreign Ministry also called for a return to negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
