Houthis Seize Strategic Yemeni Port City, Raising Red Sea Shipping Risks

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have taken control of Yemen’s strategic port city of Mokha, Houthi and Yemeni officials said Thursday, raising concerns that the group could intensify threats to international shipping in the Red Sea.

The takeover gives Iran another potential source of leverage in its ongoing war with the United States, analysts said. The Houthis could use their presence in Mokha to increase pressure on commercial vessels traveling through the Red Sea.

Mokha is located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. About 12% of the world’s goods typically pass through the waterway, according to The Associated Press.

The strategic importance of Bab el-Mandeb has increased as shipping through the nearby Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted by Iran during its conflict with the United States and Israel. Any further attacks or restrictions on shipping through the Red Sea could therefore have wider implications for global trade and energy supplies.

The Houthis largely stayed out of the Iran war when it began but stepped up their attacks against Yemen’s internationally recognized government during the summer. The group has also declared a blockade against Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s government.

The Houthi advance into Mokha was confirmed to AP by Ahmed Baash, a commander with the National Resistance Forces aligned with Yemen’s government, and Hazam al-Assad, a member of the Houthis’ political bureau.

The capture represents the Houthis’ biggest territorial gain since a truce was reached in 2022 to halt a civil war that had been raging since 2014. The development raises fears that Yemen could again descend into full-scale conflict, potentially worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis and threatening regional energy routes.

Residents told AP that Houthi forces were visible throughout Mokha on Thursday, while markets and shops were closed. Resident Amin al-Mohammdi said roads leading to the city from the west coast had been closed. Another resident, Mohamed Salem, said he had seen Houthi military vehicles in the streets.

The Houthis have been fighting Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014, when they seized large parts of northern and central Yemen. Saudi Arabia intervened militarily the following year in support of the government.

The seizure of Mokha could now add a new dimension to Yemen’s internal conflict while increasing concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

Source : AP