Yemen's Houthis reportedly seize strategic Red Sea port of Mokha
Houthi rebels in Yemen have reportedly captured the strategic port city of Mokha, increasing their influence over the vital Red Sea shipping lanes. This development coincides with an escalation in regional conflict, including drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Why it matters
The control of the Bab al-Mandab strait and the escalation of attacks on energy infrastructure pose significant risks to global oil supply chains and regional stability.
Image source, AL MASIRAH/Handout via REUTERS Image caption, Footage from Houthi-run Al Masirah TV purportedly showed Houthi fighters in Mocha
Yemen's Houthi movement has seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, military sources say.
The capture of Mokha would bring the Iran-backed group closer to controlling the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key shipping route about 75km (46 miles) to the south that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced since the Houthis launched an offensive in the south-western coastal region a week ago.
At the same time, there has been a significant escalation in the Houthis' conflict with neighbouring Saudi Arabia that has contributed to a surge in global oil prices.
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