Houthis claim major advance in Yemen and tighten grip on Red Sea shipping lane

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have made a major breakthrough in their fight for control of the Red Sea coast of Yemen, securing the strategic island of Perim at the entrance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The Houthi takeover of Perim comes on the heels of their capture of the port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed forces, giving them complete control of the coastline. The Houthis have been escalating their attacks, and their military operation to expel Saudi-backed forces from Perim was launched on September 3 due to Saudi Arabia's 'blatant aggression' against 'our dear people', according to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea. The Houthis claim that hundreds of troops were killed, wounded or captured during the operation. Saudi Arabia has not publicly commented on the latest developments. The US has offered to assist with intelligence and targeting support, but so far, US President Donald Trump has declined to involve the US military directly in the conflict. The US and Saudi Arabia are in continuous dialogue regarding regional stability, according to a senior Trump administration official. The Houthis have issued a statement saying that maritime navigation is safe for all companies except for Saudi vessels. The capture of Perim and Mokha has tightened the Houthis' grip on the Red Sea shipping lane, a crucial international waterway. Yemen's internationally-recognised government has reported the latest developments to the BBC.