Houthis Seize Strategic Port City Near Global Shipping Chokepoint
The Houthi forces in Yemen have seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha, which sits roughly 75 km north of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This waterway connects the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and is a critical shipping lane, with between 10% and 12% of global trade passing through it.
The fall of Mokha marks one of the most significant territorial shifts in Yemen's war since fighting began in 2014. The Houthi forces captured the city after a long ground offensive, fueled by Iranian arms and advisory support. Iran's involvement went beyond moral support, with sources indicating that Tehran provided both weapons and tactical advice.
The strategic importance of Mokha lies in its proximity to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The Houthi forces have already demonstrated their willingness to use their geographic position to harass commercial shipping, launching drone and missile attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea. With control of Mokha, their ability to project force over the strait's approaches grows significantly.