The Houthis reportedly seized control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline after an 18-hour offensive, according to Al Jazeera's correspondent on the ground.
The group moved south after government forces withdrew from Mocha, taking Dhubab and Murad, the last coastal town still under government control. Houthi naval forces also seized Mayyun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and entered Zuqar Island, where clashes continued.
The development comes after Axios reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman asked United States President Donald Trump to strike the Houthis, a request Trump reportedly rejected. Washington is nevertheless said to be increasing intelligence and military support to Saudi Arabia. The Bab al-Mandab Strait is one of the world's most important shipping chokepoints, alongside the Strait of Hormuz, and is a key route for ships carrying goods and oil between Europe and Asia.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.