Yemen's Houthi forces have captured a strategic island in the Bab al-Mandab strait, expanding their control over the narrow waterway, which is considered one of the world's vital shipping routes.
The Iran-aligned Houthis took control of the volcanic island after forces allied to the UN-backed, Aden-based government departed. This follows a series of recent setbacks along Yemen's west coast, including the loss of the port city of Mocha on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia, which supports the official Yemen government, conducted air raids on Houthi positions in Mocha on Friday. The Bab al-Mandab strait connects Asia to Europe through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, and about 12% of global goods are typically shipped through it.
Full Houthi control of shipping in the strait, alongside Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz, could strengthen the influence of anti-western forces over global energy shipments. Oil prices have risen to over $100 a barrel as the fighting in Yemen has escalated.
Iran issued an official statement on Friday, hailing the Houthi advances. British diplomatic sources reportedly do not anticipate US bombing of Houthi positions in Yemen, despite requests from Saudi Arabia. The UN migration agency reported on Friday that the surge in fighting over the past week has led to over 46,000 people fleeing, with large numbers reportedly seen leaving Mocha with their belongings overnight.