Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen have "taken control" of Perim Island in the Red Sea, a government source says. The island divides the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key global shipping route linking Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Asia.

The Houthis claim major advances after seizing the Red Sea port city of Mokha on Thursday. They say maritime navigation is safe except for Saudi vessels, which are "subject to a blockade." The group also claims it has expelled "Saudi-backed forces" from Yemen's western coast but does not mention Perim Island.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait has been a key shipping route for Saudi Arabia due to disruption to the Strait of Hormuz. On the opposite side lies Djibouti, home to military bases from the US, China, France, Japan, and Italy. The US base at Camp Lemonnier supports around 4,000 personnel, while China opened its first overseas base there in 2017.

The Houthi advance has alarmed Riyadh. The UN says more than 46,000 people have fled the latest fighting. Saudi Arabia has responded by striking Mokha airport.