Houthis Advance Along Yemen Coast, Threaten Saudi Oil Exports
Houthi forces have advanced along Yemen's Red Sea coast, seizing control of the port city of Mocha and threatening Saudi oil exports. The Houthis' gain in leverage over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has raised concerns about freedom of navigation for global shipping.
The Houthis' advancement down the coast to strategic islands comes after President Donald Trump said he expected the Iran war to end after the U.S. midterm elections. However, tensions in the region remain high, with Saudi civil defence authorities issuing emergency alerts in the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait for the fourth time in 24 hours.
The Houthis' control of Mocha gives them a direct presence on the approaches to one of the world's most vital straits. The U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, has warned that the international community must act to address 'a new and more dangerous phase' in the Yemen war.