The Houthi militia in Yemen has seized control of the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha, an event that has reignited concerns about a potential return to full-scale civil war in the Horn of Africa nation.
According to reports published Thursday, the capture of Mokha represents the most significant territorial acquisition for the Iran-backed group since a United Nations-brokered truce was established in 2022. The city is located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
The acquisition holds substantial geopolitical weight, particularly as the Red Sea has emerged as a critical alternative shipping route due to disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz caused by the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. These disruptions have contributed to sharp increases in global oil prices.
Houthi spokesperson Abdulsalam addressed the takeover via Reuters, stating that the group considers freedom of navigation and international trade in both the Red Sea and the strait to be safe. He emphasized that military operations are currently limited to specific targets. The Houthis have previously targeted commercial shipping in the region, framing their actions as solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Tensions in the area escalated further as Houthi rebels accused Saudi Arabia of launching airstrikes on the southwestern province of Taiz. Al-Masirah TV, cited by AFP, reported that 10 strikes were directed at the Dhubab district in western Taiz, an area situated just south of Mokha.
This development follows a period of intensified fighting between the Houthis and Yemen’s internationally recognized government over recent months, effectively ending four years of relative calm. Rebel forces have been actively working to consolidate their hold over the country’s coastline. The internationally recognized government remains based in the southern city of Aden and continues to receive significant support from Saudi Arabia.
The broader conflict in Yemen has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and pushed a large portion of the population to the brink of famine.
With Red Sea routes already disrupted, losing another key port to the Houthis could send global oil prices skyrocketing further than they already are.
I thought the 2022 truce held? This territorial gain signals that the fragile peace in Yemen has completely collapsed by now.
This is a major escalation. Controlling Mokha gives them leverage over shipping near the Bab el-Mandeb strait during an already tense period.