Updated

Yemen's Houthi rebels have seized control of Mayun Island (also known as Perim) and asserted control over the wider Bab al-Mandeb Strait, marking their most significant military advance in years. Yemeni government forces, which had withdrawn from the west coast, say they are regrouping as the rebels consolidate their hold on the chokepoint. Regional analysts warn the Houthi takeover of Bab al-Mandeb is choking Suez Canal revenues and exposing broader security gaps for Red Sea nations, while also triggering new waves of refugee flows from Yemen. Neighboring states are watching closely as the strategic waterway, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, comes under rebel control.