Over the last week, the Houthis – an Iran-backed militant group in Yemen – have captured two strategic islands along the Red Sea coast, consolidating its control of a key international shipping route known as the Bab al-Mandab strait.

Saudi Arabia has relied on access to the strait for exporting its oil to customers in Asia. With the Strait of Hormuz already closed due to the Iran war, the Houthis’ control of this vital waterway threatens to deepen the global oil supply crisis.

Tristan Redman is joined by the BBC’s Security Correspondent Frank Gardner to unpack who the Houthis are, what they want, and how they have come to hold so much influence on the world’s economy.

Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews

For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news

Timecodes:

0:00 Introduction
1:24 Frank’s prediction
3:29 Who are the Houthis and who are their rivals?
6:43 What is the link between the Iranians and Houthis?
8:58 When does the US become involved in the Yemen situation?
10:48 What was ‘Signalgate’ and why was it so significant?
12:41 Why is the Houthis recent military advance so important?
17:56 How is Saudi Arabia involved?

#Yemen #BBCNews

source

The UK government has said a new mutation of the coronavirus is “out of control” in parts of England and spreading rapidly. The latest figures show more than 35,000 new infections, many in London and the south-east.

Several countries have announced that they are banning travel from the UK — with France suspending passenger and some freight transport. The Port of Dover has temporarily been closed.

New restrictions have come into force for 18 million people in England and 3 million people in Wales.

In England areas within the new Tier 4 rules include London, Kent and most of Essex. People have been told to stay home with non-essential shops closed. Christmas mixing of households will not be permitted.

The festive rules have changed in the rest of England too – with a gathering only now allowed on Christmas Day.

Mishal Husain presents BBC News at Ten reporting by political correspondent Nick Eardley, transport correspondent Caroline Davies, business editor Simon Jack and health correspondent Catherine Burns.

Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog

source

Saudi and Yemeni forces have hit back hard at Houthi forces, launching dozens of air strikes on key Houthi positions in Yemen.

The continued fighting has lead to oil prices soaring to over $109 a barrel for Brent Crude.

The UN has also warned of an impending humanitarian crisis, with over 100,000 people internally displaced in Yemen and thousands of refugees fleeing to Djibouti.

Subscribe to our channel here: https://bbc.in/bbcnews

For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news

#IranWar #Yemen #Houthis #MiddleEast #BBCNews

source

“When that level of explosion and combination of shrapnel is detonated, there is only one result. And that is carnage.”

The senior British commander on the ground in Kabul has been speaking for the first time about the UK’s evacuation from Afghanistan.

The last British troops returned from the country at the weekend after helping to rescue more than 15,000 people.

Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog

#BBCNews

source

Gas pistols, pepper spray and other items used in self-defence are in high demand in Germany, following the sexual assaults in Cologne on New Year’s Eve.

Subscribe to BBC News HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog
Check out our website: http://www.bbc.com/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bbcworldnews
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bbcworld
Instagram: http://instagram.com/bbcnews

source