Houthis Take Control of Red Sea Coast, Raising Tensions with Saudi Arabia and US
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have made significant gains in their drive to take control of the Red Sea coast, seizing key ports and strategic locations. The group claims to have taken control of the port city of Mocha, as well as the inland city of Hays and the Khalid ibn al-Walid camp, the largest military base in the region.
This development has significant implications for Saudi Arabia and the US, which could lose control of two key shipping chokepoints: the Bab al-Mandeb at the southern end of the Red Sea and the strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. The Houthis' aim is to put pressure on these countries to agree a deal that lifts the US blockade on Iranian oil tankers.
The fighting has been intense, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Observers estimate there were 276 fatalities over a five-day period alone. The Houthi-linked estimate suggests rebel forces have gained control of more than 2,320 sq miles (6,000 sq km) of land.