'We now control Bab al-Mandeb' — Ansar Allah spokesperson to RT

Houthi forces in Yemen claim they have seized control of the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait. It's another key trade chokepoint in the Middle East.

Earlier reports said they had taken control of the city of Al-Mokha after capturing other key coastal positions and pushing Saudi-backed government forces south.

The Houthis' main goal is said to be to take full control of Yemen's Red Sea coast.

The organisation's spokesperson, Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, says that while it is fighting directly against Saudi forces, it is prepared for a potential expansion of the conflict.