Iran-backed Houthis seize key strait, widening Yemen war
Part of composite article Yemen's Houthi Rebels Seize Key Shipping Lane, 125,000 Flee in Two Weeks View full article →
Houthi forces have captured Mokha, Dhubab and Perim in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strait is a narrow waterway between Yemen and East Africa. Ships pass through it to reach the Suez Canal.
The takeover threatens to push Yemen deeper into the wider Middle East war. Houthi fighters made the advances against Yemen's government and Saudi Arabia.
Houthis are backed by Iran. Saudi Arabia supports Yemen's government. The two sides have fought for years.