Houthis Seize Red Sea Port of Mokha, Threatening Key Asia-Europe Shipping Route

Yemen's Houthi rebels have seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, military sources and witnesses have confirmed. The capture places the Iran-backed group just 75km (46 miles) from the Bab al-Mandab Strait — the southern gateway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and a critical juncture on the Asia-Europe trade route.

Strategic Significance

The Houthis said they posed no threat to international shipping but reiterated threats to target vessels from Saudi Arabia, which has relied increasingly on the Red Sea for oil exports since the US-Israeli war effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. Mokha's capture contributed to a surge in global oil prices, which have now reached $105 per barrel.

Chaos and Civilian Suffering

Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced since the Houthis launched their offensive in southwest Yemen a week ago. Mokha residents said Houthi fighters moved in after fierce clashes Wednesday night, causing widespread panic. "The takeover came without warning. Panic spread throughout the area, forcing people to flee amid distressing scenes of injured people lying in the streets with no-one there to help them," one resident told BBC Arabic.

Saudi Coalition Responds

A Saudi-led coalition has carried out air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in western Yemen in support of pro-government forces. The Houthis have launched missiles and drones at cities and oil facilities in southern Saudi Arabia in response. Another resident reported Houthi fighters patrolling the streets of Mokha on Thursday, while government offices and shops remained closed.