https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-effective-control-of-key-red-sea-chokepointContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-effective-control-of-key-red-sea-chokepointhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-effective-control-of-key-red-sea-chokepoint#u68329Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:22:33 +0000Iran-backed Houthi militants now control the entirety of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the strategic Greater and Lesser Hanish islands. This expansion strengthens their grip on the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical maritime shipping corridor. While the group has secured these positions, the Yemeni Armed Forces are currently conducting a counteroperation to contest key territory along the strait. These gains provide the Houthis with increased leverage over shipping routes that carriers had recently started using again.Why it mattersThe Houthis launched a campaign against the internationally rec https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-effective-control-of-key-red-sea-chokepointhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/iran-backed-houthis-take-effective-control-of-key-red-sea-chokepoint#u67476Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:26:39 +0000Iran-backed Houthi militants have taken effective control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait after a rapid advance down the Red Sea coast. The group seized a strategic island in the strait and a mainland coastal town on Friday. This movement puts the United States in a difficult position and has contributed to crude oil prices spiking over $100. The advance follows a series of attacks on shipping and Saudi energy infrastructure that have increased pressure on regional oil routes.Why it mattersThe Bab al-Mandeb is a critical maritime chokepoint for global trade and energy shipments. Control over this