Houthi Advances Near Bab al-Mandab Strait Escalate Red Sea Tensions, Impact Global Shipping

Houthi rebels have advanced, seizing the port of Mokha and Mayyun Island near the critical Bab al-Mandab Strait, reportedly moving onto the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands. This escalation raises the risk of wider conflict, prompting nations like South Korea to increase use of Arctic trade routes to Europe. The UN Security Council has discussed the situation, warning of potential broader regional instability and global trade disruptions.