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Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, according to military sources
and witnesses, bringing the group closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Mokha’s capture leaves the Houthis about 75km (46 miles) from the southern gateway to a major trade route linking Asia and Europe. The advance has also raised concerns over the group’s growing presence around the strategically important shipping corridor.
Mocha Falls As Houthi Offensive Sweeps Yemen’s Western Coast
Mokha residents said Houthi fighters entered the city following fierce clashes with pro-government forces on Wednesday night, prompting many families to flee.
The Houthis launched their offensive in southwestern Yemen about a week ago, with hundreds reportedly killed and thousands displaced.
A Saudi-led coalition has carried out air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in western Yemen in support of pro-government forces. The Houthis, meanwhile, have launched missiles and drones at cities and oil facilities in southern Saudi Arabia.
The group said it posed no threat to international shipping but reiterated its threat to target vessels from Saudi Arabia, which has relied on the Red Sea for oil exports since the US and Israel’s war effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Houthi Forces Push Toward Strategic Red Sea Islands
Separate reports indicate that Houthi forces have reached strategically important Red Sea islands near Bab el-Mandeb.
Reuters, citing military sources in Yemen’s internationally recognized government, reported that Houthi forces had reached the Hanish Islands after capturing Mokha. The report did not establish whether Zuqar, Greater Hanish or Lesser Hanish had been captured.
AFP, however, quoted a military source as saying the Houthis had captured at least Zuqar after firing missiles at the island and sending fighters there by boat.
Houthi forces were also reportedly attempting to land on Perim Island, also known as Mayyun, which sits at the narrowest point of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Qatar-based Al-Araby reported that the Houthis had captured Perim, but the claim has not been independently confirmed and remained the only specific report that the island had fallen.
Bab el-Mandeb Becomes New Flashpoint
Perim’s location makes it strategically important. The roughly 13-square-kilometer volcanic island sits in the middle of the Bab el-Mandeb, dividing the shipping route between Yemen and the Horn of Africa into two channels.
Control of the island could allow the Houthis to monitor shipping more closely and potentially threaten vessels passing through the strait.
Bab el-Mandeb connects the Indian Ocean and Asia with the Red Sea, Suez Canal and Europe, making it a critical artery for global trade.
The escalation has also contributed to a surge in oil prices. Brent crude rose at least 4% on Thursday to around $105 a barrel amid fears that shipping through Bab el-Mandeb could face greater disruption.
The Houthis have described their operations as “defensive” and pledged that international freedom of navigation through Bab el-Mandeb would continue, while enforcing what they call a “naval blockade” against Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government has accused Tehran of driving the offensive.
“Iran seeks to give the Houthis the ability to influence the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea,” said Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council.
“Any threat to the Bab al-Mandab Strait directly affects the Red Sea, the Suez Canal and global trade,” he added.
