Yemen's Houthi rebels seize more key islands in Red Sea
Summary
Houthi rebels have seized the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands in Yemen’s southern Red Sea, tightening their grip on a vital shipping route near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The fighting is escalating fears of a renewed civil war as civilian casualties and displacement rise across Taiz and nearby provinces.
Key Points
- Houthi rebels captured the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, adding to their advances around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- The fighting has killed about 150 civilians since Sept. 3 and displaced more than 80,000 people in two weeks, according to UN estimates.
- Saudi Arabia reported new Houthi cross-border attacks, including missiles and drones aimed at the King Khalid Air Base.
- Yemen’s government says its forces are regrouping after setbacks in Mokha and other areas on the west coast.
