Yemen’s Houthi rebels seize more key islands in southern Red Sea, tighten grip on shipping routes

Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have captured additional strategic islands in the southern Red Sea, according to reports from both government and Houthi officials on Monday. The seizure of these territories, which include the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, further consolidates the group's influence over critical maritime shipping lanes in the region.

This development marks an escalation in the group's ability to monitor and potentially disrupt commercial traffic passing through the southern Red Sea. The control of these islands provides the rebels with expanded tactical positioning along one of the world's most vital maritime corridors.