Houthi forces seize strategic Mokha port in Yemen

Houthi forces have seized control of the strategic port city of Mokha on the Red Sea coast following intense fighting with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces. The takeover follows a period of escalating clashes, with government forces reportedly conducting a “tactical retreat” to regroup in the south.

Mokha is located approximately 80km from the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime gateway that handles roughly 12% of global trade between Asia and Europe. The Houthi presence near this strait increases potential pressure on international shipping, particularly vessels linked to Saudi Arabia.

In response to the escalating conflict, the United States is increasing support for Saudi Arabia. Approximately 200 U.S. personnel are operating within a newly established joint force command to provide intelligence, geospatial targeting information, and real-time battlefield tracking. While the U.S. is providing these technical capabilities to ensure professional operations, it has maintained strict limits, such as not participating directly in attacks or providing aerial refueling.

United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg has warned that the conflict is entering a “new and more dangerous phase” that could lead to a full-scale war with consequences extending beyond Yemen's borders.