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The Iran-aligned Houthis completed their takeover of key positions along Yemen’s western coast including the port city of Mocha according to multiple Yemeni government sources cited by Reuters. Fighters advanced to seize the coastal town of Dhubab and reached Perim Island also known as Mayyun in the heart of the Bab al-Mandeb strait on Friday after government forces withdrew. Al Jazeera reported that the rebels also captured the Hanish islands consolidating their hold over the southern gateway to the Red Sea. This rapid advance marks one of the group’s most significant territorial gains in years.
Yemeni government military officials told Reuters that forces are relocating and plan to use weapons and aircraft to counter Houthi movements in the captured areas. Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes on the Mocha airport following the seizure a Houthi broadcaster reported without immediate confirmation of damage. The moves come as the Houthis have declared a blockade on Saudi-flagged vessels in the Red Sea since July.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree announced that maritime navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb is safe for all vessels except those linked to Saudi Arabia. In a statement he declared the completion of operations in the area. The group has positioned itself to potentially disrupt shipping more effectively building on previous attacks in the region.
The development threatens Saudi oil exports which have increasingly relied on the Red Sea route since disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz Arabian Business reported. Brent crude prices surged above 105 dollars a barrel in response to the advances and related tensions. Analysts from Verisk Maplecroft described the capture of Mocha as a major blow that could allow tighter control over the chokepoint.
According to Reuters the offensive received direct guidance from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards to open a new front in the war with the United States. Five military sources from the Saudi-backed government confirmed the involvement of Iranian advice and arms in the campaign. This aligns with the wider Middle East conflict that has seen simultaneous pressures on two major oil transit routes.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government has called for international intervention with its foreign minister addressing the United Nations Security Council. President Rashad al-Alimi warned against allowing the strait to become another blocked passage like Hormuz. Government forces indicated they would seek to retake the lost territories in the coming period.
The Bab al-Mandeb strait sees passage of 10 to 12 percent of global trade POLITICO noted in its coverage of the events. At its narrowest point the waterway is about 29 kilometres wide making it vulnerable to control from the Yemeni coast. Observers have expressed concerns over compounded effects on global supply chains and energy markets.
