What Happened
Iran-Backed Militia Expands Control Over Critical Maritime Chokepoint
The Houthis have completed their takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb area, seizing Mayyun Island and gaining control of key territory on both the mainland approach and within the chokepoint itself. This development has significant implications for global shipping and energy exports, as it gives the Iran-aligned movement a stronger platform for surveillance, missile, and drone operations against shipping. The advance represents the latest stage in a two-decade transformation of Ansar Allah from a localized movement into a significant component of Iran’s regional network, as reported by Horn Review.