Updated

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement has dramatically expanded its rapid advance along the Red Sea coast, reportedly seizing not only the strategic port city of Mokha but also the island of Perim and effectively taking control of most of Yemen's western Red Sea coastline. The gains bring the group closer to dominating a key alternative shipping route and expose the weakness of Yemen's internationally recognized government, with analysts warning the advance carries implications well beyond shipping security. The United Nations' International Organization for Migration says the fighting has now displaced at least 46,000 people, warning that the number is rising 'by the hour' as the Houthi offensive continues. The escalating humanitarian toll adds pressure on regional and international actors already grappling with the security fallout from the group's territorial gains.