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[INTERNATIONAL] · Yemen, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United States, Israel · 5 sources

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Houthis seize Mocha and strategic islands near Bab al-Mandeb

The Houthi movement has launched a major offensive in Yemen, capturing the Red Sea port of Mocha and advancing toward strategic islands near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, including Mayun and the Hanish Islands. These gains threaten global shipping routes through the Suez-Red Sea corridor, which accounts for approximately 12% of global trade.

Analysts and international reports suggest the Houthis are acting as a strategic tool for Iran, opening a second front in regional tensions. While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the Houthis are responsible for their own actions, multiple sources report that Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) advisors have been present on the ground, providing direct field guidance and intelligence support during the rapid West Coast offensive.

In the highlands, Houthi forces are pushing toward the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahj to consolidate control over high ground overlooking the strait. While government-aligned forces have claimed to repel some attacks, the situation remains volatile. The offensive also coincides with increased pressure on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure and a naval blockade targeting Saudi-linked vessels.

Entities

Bab al-Mandeb Strait · Bab el-Mandeb Strait · Houthi militia · Houthis · Iran · Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps · Masoud Pezeshkian · Revolutionary Guard Corps · Yemen

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