Yemen Clashes Leave Over 140 Dead in Battle for Strategic Red Sea Route

Violent clashes have erupted in Yemen between forces loyal to the Saudi-backed government and Houthi rebels, resulting in over 140 deaths.

The fighting began on Thursday as Houthis launched an offensive aimed at cutting off the government-held port city of Mokha, which has been under fire for weeks.

According to military officials, 84 government troops were killed, mostly in missile attacks, while four Houthi sources reported that 57 rebel fighters died in the same period.

The Bab al-Mandab chokepoint at the southern entrance to the Red Sea has gained importance as a transit route for oil from Saudi Arabia following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.