Houthis Seize Key Ports, Threatening Saudi Oil Exports

The Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen has seized control of the strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha and several nearby islands, escalating tensions with Saudi Arabia.

This move allows the Houthis to easily obstruct shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial waterway that sees about 12% of global trade pass through it. The number of daily vessel transits fell from 35 to 25 following the Houthi offensive, but rose back up to 45 on Sunday.

The Houthis are also fighting near the city of Marib in the central oil-producing province and pose a threat to the western city of Taiz. The group is demanding that Saudi Arabia end its long-running blockade of territories under their control.