Yemeni forces retake Mokha as Middle East tensions escalate

Yemeni government forces have retaken the strategic port city of Mokha from the Houthi rebels, marking a significant victory in the ongoing conflict. The operation was supported by a Saudi-led coalition, which deployed 100 jets in a large-scale offensive on Sunday. This development comes as the Makkah pact countries prepare to meet in Riyadh to discuss the escalating Houthi attacks in the region.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, with several high-profile developments. The Iranian oil minister has resigned, adding to the political instability in the region. The United States has also pulled bombers from an England base just a week after five individuals were arrested, raising questions about the security situation.

Italy has announced plans for a new mission to Lebanon aimed at replacing the current Unifil forces. The Italian Defence Minister has called for greater European involvement in securing stability in the Hormuz and Bab El Mandeb straits, emphasizing the need for more European ships in the Red Sea mission.

Senator Marco Rubio has stated that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself from Houthi attacks. This statement underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict, with various international actors taking sides in the ongoing struggle for control in Yemen.