Houthis deploy forces to strategic Hanish Islands in Red Sea

Houthis has deployed forces to the strategic Hanish Islands in the Red Sea following the withdrawal of government naval troops.The deployment brought Houthi forces closer to this vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Ade.

The Houthi group's spokesperson said on Thursday that freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab remained "safe and regular," insisting that the group's operations posed "no threat" to international shipping. He also said the group's ongoing military operations had specific targets and were "defensive" in nature, without providing further details.