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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
David McHugh

The Houthi advance in Yemen raises concerns about a key shipping choke point

APTOPIX Yemen War - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The capture of the Red Sea port of Mokha and a strategic island by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen brings their forces to the heart of a key choke point for the global economy: the Bab el-Mandeb Strait leading out of the Red Sea.

The Houthis took Mokha on Thursday and on Friday captured Mayun, also known as Perim, off Yemen's coast, two officials said, in a swift advance that extends their reach near one of the world’s key commercial lanes.

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