Houthis Escalate Fighting for Control of Red Sea Shipping Route

The Houthis have escalated fighting in Yemen, aiming to seize control over Mocha Port and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This strategic location is crucial for international shipping routes, particularly for Saudi oil exports that pass through the Red Sea.

Fighting has intensified around western Taiz as the Houthis attempt to reach Mocha, a port city less than 50 miles from the strait. Col. Abdul Basit al-Baher, an army officer with the Yemeni government in the region, confirmed this escalation to The New York Times.

The Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi oil tankers passing through the Red Sea in July and have since launched missile and drone attacks at passing ships and Saudi facilities from northern Yemen. By gaining control over Mocha Port, the Houthis would be able to exert greater influence over ships transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Mocha was targeted by multiple missiles in early August and was forced to suspend operations after being hit by more than 25 missiles in a few days. The Houthis claim they targeted a military buildup of weapons and warships belonging to Saudi-backed forces in Mocha, accusing the governments of preparing for a ground offensive.