Houthis Advance on Yemen Coast, Threatening Saudi Oil Exports

The Iran-aligned Houthis have advanced along the Yemeni coast, threatening Saudi oil exports in the Red Sea. The group seized control of the port city of Mocha on Thursday and moved down the coast to strategic islands, including Hanish.

According to military sources, the Houthis have gained further leverage over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping route, and could potentially disrupt oil supplies through this corridor. This development would give Iran a critical advantage in its conflict with the US, as it would provide an alternative route for oil exports.

Brent crude prices jumped 4% on Thursday to $105 a barrel due to concerns over disruption to supply routes. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam stated that the group's operations are defensive and will stop once attacks on Yemen cease.