Yemen’s Houthi forces have reportedly taken full control of the Bab al-Mandab area, a strategically vital waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. This follows the capture of a key island within the Bab al-Mandab strait on Friday, according to a government official speaking to AFP. The move completes a broader offensive by the Houthis to dominate this crucial maritime passage. The Bab al-Mandab strait is significant for international shipping, serving as a key route for oil tankers and other commercial vessels. The takeover raises concerns about potential disruptions to global trade and increased tensions in the region. The Yemeni government has not yet publicly commented on the implications of this loss of control. This development significantly alters the security landscape in Yemen and the wider Red Sea region.