Dhaka, Sept. 13 -- backed Houthi forces have traded strikes as fighting intensifies around the strategic Bab al-Mandeb chokepoint on Yemen's Red Sea coast.

The escalation comes as Houthi forces have seized Mayun Island, also known as Perim, giving the group a strategic position in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and strengthening its control over Yemen's Red Sea coastline.

US President Donald Trump said the Houthis had contacted Washington and asked it not to intervene in the conflict involving Yemen's internationally recognized government.

The developments came amid wider regional tensions after Iraq temporarily closed three border crossings with Iran following a drone attack launched from Iraqi territory that targeted Saudi Arabia's East-We...