Houthis capture Mokha, move closer to key Bab al-Mandab Strait
The capture brings the Houthis within 75km (46 miles) of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key gateway for global trade between Asia and Europe. The Houthis’ advance therefore represents a significant setback for the Saudi-backed forces fighting to contain the Iran-aligned rebels. The Houthis have not directly confirmed the capture of Mokha, but their Supreme Political Council said clashes had ended in western coastal districts after Saudi-backed forces were pushed out. Earlier reporting noted: In a post on X, Abdulsalam said Yemen posed no threat to shipping and described the group’s operations as defensive and limited to previously announced targets.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis have seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, military sources and witnesses told the BBC. The group said it posed no threat to international shipping but maintained its threat to target Saudi vessels. 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 man told BBC Arabic’s Middle East Lifeline programme. Another resident said: “At the moment, we don’t know what Ansar Allah will do. Pro-government commander Tarek Salah said his forces had moved their command centre to a “safe location”. Earlier reporting noted: Despite the advance, Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam said navigation and international trade through the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb remained safe and regular. He said the operations would end if attacks on Yemen stopped and the blockade was lifted, according to Reuters.
“The takeover came without warning. Everyone is afraid for their safety. Many displaced families have been heading east towards Aden, where Yemen’s internationally recognised government is based.
Earlier reporting noted: Mokha had long been held by forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. Mokha residents told the BBC that Houthi fighters entered the city after fierce clashes on Wednesday night, forcing many families to flee. Government offices and shops were closed on Thursday, with Houthi fighters reportedly patrolling the streets.