Ansar Allah Seized Control of All Islands in the Bab al-Mandab Strait

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Citing an unnamed Yemeni military official, reports indicate that the Ansar Allah movement has continued its military advance along Yemen's coast, capturing the Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish islands within the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea.

According to the official, Ansar Allah forces now control all the islands located in this strait.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait is situated at the southern entrance to the Red Sea, between Yemen and the coast of the Horn of Africa, and is considered a vital international shipping route. The Hanish islands are located near this strait and hold a strategic position along these maritime lanes.

Previously, Ansar Allah had announced a major operation against Saudi-backed forces along Yemen's western coast, stating that they had secured control over areas spanning six districts, covering a total of 5,400 square kilometers during the campaign.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the military spokesman for Ansar Allah, also reported that hundreds of opposing troops had been killed, captured, or wounded, and that Yemeni prisoners had been freed.

These developments follow a report by Axios stating that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had asked U.S. President Donald Trump to attack Ansar Allah, a request Trump reportedly rejected.

Nevertheless, it is reported that Washington is increasing its intelligence and military support for Saudi Arabia.