Houthis seize strategic Red Sea port of Mokha in Yemen

Iran-aligned Houthi militants have seized the key Red Sea port of Mokha in Yemen, advancing their control closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This move is seen as a significant development in the long-running conflict, with fighting spreading along the country’s coast, officials said.

The Houthis’ capture of Mokha, a port city of strategic importance, brings them nearer to controlling one of the world’s most valuable maritime routes. Control of nearby Dhubab and the Hanish islands is also key to gaining hold of the strait, according to officials.

One woman from the area told BBC Arabic, "They didn't even give us a chance or warn us beforehand. We are women with no means of defending ourselves, and we have innocent children with us." There was no immediate confirmation of the situation in Mokha from other sources.

The conflict in Yemen has been ongoing for years, with the internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council and government based elsewhere. The Houthis’ Supreme Political Council said clashes had occurred recently, intensifying the conflict.

Experts describe this event as potentially one of the more significant turning points in recent years of the Yemen conflict. The port’s capture could allow the Houthis to reorganize their ranks and establish an alternative command center in a secure location.

The port’s strategic value lies in its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial passage for global oil shipments, especially for Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter. The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the world’s oceans, making control over it a major regional security concern.

While the Houthis are aligned with Iran, some officials stated that Iran does not directly control them. The Houthis’ advance raises concerns about regional security and maritime navigation, with some experts noting the group’s intent to compel the Saudi regime to stop targeting Yemen.

Local residents express fear for their safety amid the escalating clashes. The situation remains fluid, with the Houthis advancing their positions along the Red Sea coast.