Houthis Expand Control Along Yemen’s Red Sea Coast After Seizing Mokha Port

Houthis Expand Control Along Yemen’s Red Sea Coast After Seizing Mokha Port
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Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement has taken control of the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha, marking a major shift in the country’s conflict and bringing the group closer to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

The advance came after intense fighting with forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Military and local sources said government forces withdrew from Mokha after losing several positions along the western coast, while Ansar Allah continued its push toward areas near the strategic waterway.

The capture of Mokha, located near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, has raised international concerns due to the port’s importance for global shipping and energy routes. The United Nations envoy for Yemen warned that the escalation represents the greatest risk of a return to large-scale conflict since the 2022 truce.

Recent reports indicate that Ansar Allah has expanded its presence along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, with claims of further gains in areas close to Bab al-Mandeb, including strategic islands and coastal positions.

The developments have triggered warnings from Yemeni officials and regional actors, who say control of the Bab al-Mandeb area could have consequences for international trade and maritime security. The strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a key route for global commercial shipping.