Yemen’s Houthis capture a Red Sea island in threat to shipping

Yemen’s Houthi rebels march during a mobilization campaign in Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (AP Photo) STR/AP

STR/AP

Yemen ‘s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels captured the island of Mayun at the entrance of the Red Sea, a key alternative for shipping Saudi oil and other exports since Iran has been targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The island’s seizure was confirmed by a senior military official with Yemen’s internationally recognized government and a Houthi