Yemen's Houthis Capture Mokha, Bolstering Gateway to Bab al-Mandab
Yemen’s Houthi movement has seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi‑backed pro‑government forces, military sources say.
The capture of Mokha would bring the Iran‑backed group closer to controlling the Bab al‑Mandab strait, a key shipping route about 75km south that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced since the Houthis launched an offensive in the south‑western coastal region a week ago.
At the same time, there has been a significant escalation in the Houthis’ conflict with neighbouring Saudi Arabia that has contributed to a surge in global oil prices.
In the past days, the Houthis launched dozens of drones and missiles at southern Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 civilians and causing fires at several oil facilities. Saudi authorities noted a temporary halt in operations.
The Riyadh‑led coalition’s backing of the government and repeated air strikes have intensified the war since July, when the Houthis introduced a maritime embargo and targeted Saudi infrastructure.
The Red Sea’s role as a conduit for Saudi oil exports has grown since the U.S. and Israel entered the broader Middle East conflict, tightening pressure around the Bab al‑Mandab strait.
The takeover signals a dangerous shift in the region, potentially prompting wider conflict and further destabilising global maritime trade routes.
