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Houthis Seize Mayyun Island, Tightening Control Over Bab al-Mandeb
The Houthis are an armed group fighting Yemen’s government.
Officials said they captured Mayyun Island in the Red Sea.
The island sits in the Bab al-Mandeb, an important shipping passage.
Government soldiers reportedly left the island before the Houthis arrived.
Witnesses saw armed fighters and military vehicles near the shore.
The Houthis had also taken control of nearby Zuqar Island.
Government troops on the Hanish islands were reportedly surrounded.
Officials said those troops needed food, water and help.
Hundreds of people have reportedly died in the fighting around the waterway.
Houthi fighters reached Mayyun Island after government forces withdrew, according to a local official and eyewitnesses.
The takeover gives the Houthis control of the island, which divides the Bab al-Mandeb strait into shipping lanes.
Witnesses reported armed men deploying along the shore and driving military vehicles in the area.
The Houthis also seized Zuqar Island, while government troops on the Hanish islands were reportedly besieged.
Officials said more than 2,000 government troops on the Hanish islands may need rescue, supplies and possible air support.
- Who
- Iran-backed Houthi fighters and forces loyal to Yemen’s government.
- What
- The Houthis reportedly seized Mayyun Island and expanded their control around the Bab al-Mandeb waterway.
- Where
- Mayyun Island, also known as Perim, in the Bab al-Mandeb strait at the Red Sea’s entrance; fighting also affected Zuqar and the Hanish islands.
- When
- The takeover was reported on Friday, after government forces withdrew from Mayyun Island the previous day.
- Why
- The action was part of a Houthi offensive around Bab al-Mandeb, a strategically important shipping route.
Key facts
- Island seized
- Mayyun Island, also known as Perim
- Strategic waterway
- Bab al-Mandeb, which Mayyun divides into shipping lanes
- Other island seized
- Zuqar Island, according to the report
- Besieged forces
- More than 2,000 Yemeni government troops on the Hanish islands
- Reported needs
- The besieged troops appealed for rescue, food, water and an end to the siege
- Fighting toll
- Hundreds of people have died since the Houthi offensive began the previous week
- Waterway importance
- Bab al-Mandeb is a vital transit route and artery for Saudi oil exports
Quotes
A local government official
An unnamed Yemeni local government official who spoke to AFP
“Boats carrying armed Houthi fighters reached Mayyun Island after government forces withdrew from it yesterday”
deccanchronicle.com
“rescue, food and water, and the lifting of the siege, which would require air support”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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