Perim Island, also known as Mayun, which is vital to controlling the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important waterways, falls under Houthi control

🔹 Fierce clashes continue between Yemeni government forces and Iran-backed Houthis

🔹 Yemeni government source tells Anadolu that Houthis seized Perim Island in Bab al-Mandab Strait, overlooking Red Sea

🔹 Houthis launched attacks on Hudaydah and Taiz last week as they advanced toward Bab al-Mandab Strait, vital for tanker traffic

📌 Vessel traffic drops sharply

🔺 Escalating clashes along Yemen’s western coast cause sharp decline in vessel traffic

🔺 Only 79 commercial vessels passed through strait in last 3 days, compared with daily average of 70-75 before crisis

📌 Security of strait

🔸 Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council warns threat to strait could affect global trade, while Houthis maintain international navigation will ‘remain safe’