Houthis take control of Red Sea coastline
Houthi rebels have advanced and taken control of strategic cities along Yemen's Red Sea coastline, including the critical port of Almoka. This advance positions them near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital waterway for global trade linking Asia and Europe.
Control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait raises concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies and international shipping, with a knock-on effect of rising oil prices.
Saudi Arabia is retaliating against drone attacks on a major oil pipeline linking the Gulf to the Red Sea, with suspicion falling on Iraq, which has condemned the attacks.