THE Houthi rebels have seized a critical island in one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
The Iranian-backed terror proxy captured Perim Island in the Red Sea – before announcing plans for a “large-scale military operation”.
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The invasion comes amid the Houthis’ spiralling conflict with Saudi Arabia and Yemen which was reignited last week following years of peace.
The small territory is a vital gateway for the Bab-al-Mandab strait – one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world that links Asia and Europe.
The trade artery is on par with the Strait of Hormuz – meaning disruption could spark weeks of global delays.
Yemeni government forces have withdrawn from the island in response to the invasion, according to officials.
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The Houthis have been locked in a civil war with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government for years.
The conflict has reignited in recent weeks with a series of tit-for-tat strikes and threats – putting an end to the UN-brokered ceasefire agreed in 2022.
The Houthis say their latest move does not pose any threat to international shipping – but they have vowed to strike vessels linked to Saudi Arabia.
A spokesperson on Telegram said they would be announcing plans for a “large-scale military operation” in the near future.
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Saudi Arabia – one of if not the world’s biggest oil exporter – relies on the Red Sea for its exports.
The effective blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, caused by the US war with Iran, has forced Riyadh to divert exports through the chokepoint.
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