Yemen's Houthis Seize Strategic Red Sea Island

Houthi rebels in Yemen have reportedly captured the strategic island of Jabal al-Zaqar in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key waterway leading to the Red Sea. This move follows their earlier seizure of the critical port city of Al Mukha. The reported advances come as the Houthis appear to be shifting their focus to consolidating control over the Red Sea, potentially as a strategic counter-offensive after suffering heavy losses in northern frontlines against Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia.

The capture of Jabal al-Zaqar, located in the inner part of the strait, gives the Houthi forces a commanding position over the entrance to the Red Sea. International and Yemeni sources have reported on these developments, indicating a significant strategic shift by the Houthi movement. The rebels seem to be actively absorbing casualties in the north to bolster their control over this vital maritime passage.