Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants have seized control of the historic port city of Mokha, located on Yemen's western coast, after days of intense fighting with pro-government forces. This capture significantly expands Houthi control along the Red Sea and positions them strategically near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping lane. Yemeni government military sources and officials confirmed the loss of Mokha, with resistance groups now deployed further south in Dhubab, about 46 kilometers from the city.
The capture of Mokha marks a significant gain for the Houthis, providing them with another important vantage point overlooking one of the world's most important shipping corridors. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a vital route for crude oil and fuel from the Gulf, bound for the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal or the Suez-Mediterranean pipeline, as well as for commodities, including Russian oil, destined for Asia. Control of this strait, alongside the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed, could isolate Gulf oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia from their main shipping routes.
The Houthi advance comes amidst escalating clashes across Yemen and increased attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued emergency guidance after Houthi attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones targeted cities like Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jazan, injuring at least 73 civilians. Saudi Arabia retaliated with 54 airstrikes across Yemen. Brent crude prices have surged above $100 a barrel due to the disruptions in shipping routes, and a Houthi naval blockade against Saudi Arabia risks further impacting global oil supplies.
The Houthi's growing control over Yemen's coastline and their focus on disrupting maritime trade have created a second theater of war in the Iran conflict, threatening global energy and commodity supplies. Pakistan, a defense ally of Saudi Arabia, has warned Iran to rein in the Houthis, stating that unprovoked aggression could activate their defense pact. Despite Iranian backing, the Houthis portray themselves as partners, not proxies, and are considered more reckless in pursuing their ambitions than other Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah. The UN has warned that these attacks risk widening the conflict and undermining efforts for a political solution, as the current multi-front campaign is the most violent in four years.
