Houthis Seize Key Port City, Closing In on Red Sea Shipping Route
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have seized control of the Yemeni port city of Mocha, bringing them closer to controlling the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
This advance would give the Houthis significant leverage over one of the world's most important shipping routes, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a key passage for oil, fuel, and other commodities moving between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal.
The fighting has taken on added significance as the six-month conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupts another crucial energy route, the Strait of Hormuz. About 28 commodity vessels passed through the Bab el-Mandeb on Wednesday, roughly in line with recent averages.
The Houthi advance comes amid a sharp escalation in fighting in Yemen and across the Saudi border in recent days, raising fears of a return to full-scale war after a UN-brokered truce in 2022 largely halted years of fighting between the Houthis and forces aligned with Yemen's internationally recognized government.
Saudi-backed forces have been waging fierce battles against Houthi rebels for control of key ports and territories. The Saudi-led coalition reported at least 73 people were wounded in attacks on four southern Saudi cities, including Khamis Mushait, where strikes hit an air base and oil infrastructure.