The new leader took control of the region last year.

took 是动词 take 的过去式，take 的基本意思是"拿、取"，引申为"获得、接管"。 control 是名词，意思是"控制、管理"，指对某事物或地区的支配权。 took control 表示"接管控制权"或"取得掌控"，指获得对某事物的支配地位。