KABUL: U.S. Vice President JD Vance says Washington is closely monitoring the situation following the Houthi takeover of Mayyun Island in the Red Sea and has begun direct talks with the group.
Speaking to reporters while traveling from Washington to Kansas, Vance said the United States remains in constant contact with its regional allies, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
He added that Washington is seeking to protect its national interests amid the latest sensitive developments while continuing talks with the Houthis.
The remarks come after Houthi fighters seized the strategic island of Mayyun in the Red Sea.
The island is located near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and its reported takeover has been viewed as a serious challenge to the security of the key maritime route and international shipping.