Iran’s Houthi allies capture strategic island on vital oil shipping route

Houthi fighters on a march to mobilise more fighters against Saudi-backed government troops, in Sana'a on Thursday. Houthi fighters on a march to mobilise more fighters against Saudi-backed government troops, in Sana'a on Thursday. Yemen Iran’s Houthi allies capture strategic island on vital oil shipping route Rampant Yemeni fighters take control of island in narrow point of Bab al-Mandab strait, which Saudi is relying on for oil exports

Why the rapid Houthi advance matters and what’s at stake

Prefer the Guardian on Google Yemen’s rampant Houthi forces have captured the strategic island of Perim in the Bab al-Mandab strait, expanding their control of the narrow waterway, one of the ​world’s vital shipping routes.