Houthis seize Yemen's strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed forces
Houthi forces have seized the strategic port city of Mokha in Yemen, escalating the conflict against Saudi-backed forces. The capture threatens a key maritime gateway and has caused significant displacement of local residents.
Why it matters
The control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait has major implications for global trade routes and regional stability in the Middle East.
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 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 group said it posed no threat to international shipping but maintained its threat to target Saudi vessels.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."The takeover came without warning.
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