Iran-backed Houthis seize strategic Mayun Island: Can they hold it?

Houthi forces have taken control of the island of Mayun – also known as Perim – tightening their grip on the eastern coast of the Red Sea and giving the group a strategic foothold in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.The takeover was confirmed on Friday by a senior military official of Yemen’s internationally recognised government and a Houthi official, according to The Associated Press news agency.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Houthi advance in Yemen is about more than just the Red Sealist 2 of 3Houthis celebrate seizing control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastlist 3 of 3Yemen government forces say Houthi ‘members, vehicles’ targeted in Mochaend of listAnalysts say the seizure represents a significant military advance that, if the Houthis can consolidate, could reshape their conflict with Saudi-backed forces in Yemen while benefiting their backer Iran in its broader regional struggle.Here is what we know about the island’s seizure, whether the Houthis can consolidate control and what it means for Yemen and beyond.Why is Mayun Island important?Mayun Island is a 13sq km (five square mile) volcanic island in the heart of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the narrow southern corridor at the en...