Houthis Take Control of Vital Yemen Port, Threatening Global Shipping

The Iran-backed Houthi rebel group has taken control of Yemen's port city of Mokha, which is crucial for shipping through the Red Sea. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, located near Mokha, connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and handles about 12% of global goods shipments.

The Houthi takeover marks their largest territorial gain since a truce was signed in 2022 to end Yemen's civil war. A return to full-scale conflict would have devastating consequences for the Yemeni people and potentially disrupt world energy supplies.

Shipping through the Bab al Mandeb has declined by about 60% since Houthi attacks began in late 2023, prompting many companies to abandon the route. However, Saudi Arabia had briefly redirected oil shipments via pipeline to the Red Sea port at Yanbu this year, but renewed Houthi threats have curtailed that activity.

Residents of Mokha reported seeing Houthi forces throughout the city, with markets shut down and roads leading to the area closed. Doctors who fled a hospital in the area said other residents were fleeing south towards Aden, which is controlled by Saudi-backed forces.