Yemen: Iran-backed Houthi rebels seize strategic islands in Red Sea

Yemen. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have captured more strategic islands in the southern Red Sea. According to government and Houthi officials, this move on Monday has further strengthened the rebels' control over the important maritime waterway.

The Houthis have taken control of the 'Greater Hanish' and 'Lesser Hanish' islands. This development comes as Saudi Arabia-backed Yemeni government forces are trying to counter the rapid advance of the Houthis around the 'Bab al-Mandeb Strait'.