Houthis Seize Key Port City in Yemen, Threatening Global Shipping Routes
The Houthis, an Iranian-backed rebel group in Yemen, has entered the key port city of Mokha on the Red Sea, bringing them within 50 miles of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This strategic location allows for alternative shipping routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran targets vessels on.
The Houthis' capture of Mokha is their biggest territorial gain in years against Saudi-backed Yemeni opponents and marks a significant escalation in the conflict. The rebels have also hiked up attacks on Saudi shipping in Bab el-Mandeb and the Red Sea since declaring a blockade there in July, as well as oil infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia.
Saudi airstrikes hit the rebel-held Mokha airport on Friday, an Iranian-backed Houthi broadcaster reported, but Iran's government called for an end to Saudi Arabia's blockade of Yemen, throwing its support behind its ally. In a statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry also called for a return to negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
The capture of Mokha by the Houthis could boost Iran's strategy of driving up world oil and gas prices to pressure the United States, experts say. This development raises concerns of a new front opening after more than six months of war in the region.