The Iran-backed Houthi rebel group has taken control of Yemen's strategic port city of Mokha, a development that could significantly increase threats to shipping through the Red Sea. The capture, confirmed by Houthi and Yemeni officials on Thursday, represents the group's largest territorial gain since a 2022 truce.
Mokha is situated approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Roughly 12% of global goods are transported through this strait, making its security vital for international trade. The Bab el-Mandeb's importance has grown as shipping through the nearby Strait of Hormuz has faced disruptions during Iran's conflict with the United States and Israel.
The Houthis, who have been at war with Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2014, had largely remained on the sidelines of the broader regional conflict. However, in recent months, the rebels increased attacks against the government and declared a blockade on Saudi Arabia, which backs the government. While these actions have domestic drivers, they also align with Iran's interests by pressuring U.S.-allied oil producers.
Officials confirmed the takeover to The Associated Press. Residents reported Houthi forces visible throughout Mokha, with markets shuttered. Some residents and medical personnel fled the city, with doctors speaking anonymously due to safety fears, reporting that a hospital was seized by the Houthis. Forces aligned with the Yemeni government previously held Mokha.
The Houthis' recent advances extend to the western province of Taiz, where they have seized control of the al-Shaqira area, an important supply route for government forces. The mountainous terrain around Taiz provides the Houthis with a strategic vantage point overlooking Yemen's west coast, raising concerns that they could potentially lay mines in the Red Sea, similar to actions taken by Iran's Revolutionary Guard in the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts suggest the Houthis' control of Mokha could provide Iran with additional leverage in negotiations with the U.S. Shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb has already seen a significant decline since late 2023 due to Houthi attacks, leading many companies to reroute. While there was a brief increase in traffic as Saudi Arabia explored alternatives, renewed threats have curtailed this activity.
The United Nations special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, described the renewed fighting as marking the end of a period of relative calm and warned that the consequences of this "new and more dangerous phase" could extend beyond Yemen's borders.
At a U.N. Security Council meeting, Yemen's ambassador called for international condemnation of the Houthi escalation and measures to prohibit arms supplies fueling the conflict. Saudi Arabia reiterated its support for peace but stated it would take necessary measures to deter Houthi attacks, warning against the militia exploiting de-escalation efforts. The U.S. also called for stronger implementation of U.N. sanctions against the Houthis to cut off their resources.