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On Friday, Yemeni pro-government forces withdrew from Perim (also known as Mayyun). <\/p>\n
Witnesses reported that Houthi forces moved onto the island, but there has been no immediate confirmation from the Houthis.<\/p>\n
The island sits at the narrowest point of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which has become increasingly important following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz – another crucial waterway – in the conflict between the US and Iran.<\/p>\n
A local government official and eyewitness told AFP: “The Houthis have completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandab area and Mayyun Island.”<\/p>\n
Despite concerns over how global shipping could be impacted after the capture of Mokha, a Houthi spokesperson said navigation was safe for all shipping companies except for Saudi vessels.<\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia has been relying on the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait for shipping oil to customers in Asia. <\/p>\n
The escalation of the conflict between the Houthis, Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia has contributed to a surge in oil prices.<\/a><\/p>\n