Houthis Claim Control of Yemen's Red Sea Coast
According to France 24, the Iran-backed rebels launched a rapid offensive Friday, seizing Yemen's coastline and islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategic maritime passage between Europe and Asia.
Houthi rebels backed by Iran took control Friday of Yemen's Red Sea coastline and several islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, according to reports from France 24.
The offensive, described as "lightning-fast" by the outlet, reportedly allowed the Houthis to strengthen their hold over this strategic maritime corridor, which connects Europe to Asia and ranks among the world's busiest shipping routes.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, located between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, is traversed daily by numerous commercial vessels transiting between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal.
France 24 did not specify, in the excerpt reviewed, the exact scale of forces involved or the immediate impact on maritime traffic in the region. No official reaction from internationally recognized Yemeni authorities or the regional coalition has been reported at this stage.
The Houthis have controlled much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, for several years as part of a conflict pitting the movement against government forces supported notably by Saudi Arabia.
Sources
- Offensive éclair des Houthis pro-iraniens qui verrouillent la mer Rouge — France 24 — Français
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Related articles
Houthis Emerge as Key Player in Iran's Regional Network, Analysts Say
Following battlefield gains in Yemen, the Houthi movement is being described as increasingly central to Iran's so-called "axis of resistance," a role once dominated by Lebanon's Hezbollah.
Qatar Says It Is Mediating to Revive US-Iran Talks
Qatari officials say mediators are shuttling between capitals in an effort to restart stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran
Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Will Stay Closed Until US Meets Its Conditions
Parliament speaker says Tehran has relayed its demands to Washington through intermediaries and will not reopen the strategic waterway until they are satisfied
Iran Security Official Says Country Ready to Respond If US Resumes Military Action
Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran is prepared to defend itself and respond forcefully to any renewed US military aggression, according to IRNA.
Armenian Ambassador Calls for Expanded Iran-Armenia Rail and Trade Links
Grigor Hakobyan says connecting the two countries’ railway networks would give Armenia access to southern seas and diversify Iran’s trade routes to Europe
Iran's Parliament Speaker Says Sacred Defense Week Reflects Tested Experience in Defending National Dignity
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the annual commemoration as more than a historical recollection, according to Iranian state news agency IRNA.
Comments
Loading comments…