Yemen’s Houthi movement has reportedly seized the Red Sea city of al-Makha, also known as Mocha, following several days of intense fighting. Media reports on Thursday indicated that the Iran-aligned group pushed Saudi-backed government forces out of the city and its port, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
While the internationally recognized Yemeni government has not officially confirmed the loss of the city, Lt. Gen. Tareq Saleh, whose forces previously held the area, stated on Thursday that he had ordered his troops to reorganize and establish an alternative command center in a secure location.
In addition to the capture of Mocha, reports suggest the Houthis have targeted the Hanish islands. An unnamed military source claimed the group seized Zuqar Island following rocket attacks and an amphibious assault. Control of these areas could potentially allow the Houthis to disrupt supply routes and threaten the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime passage that facilitates approximately 10 percent of global seaborne trade.
The recent hostilities follow a period of relative stability that began with a UN-brokered truce in 2022. Tensions began to rise again in July after the Yemeni government reported that it struck Sanaa airport to prevent an Iranian aircraft from landing. The Houthis subsequently declared the end of the de-escalation phase and announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia. The conflict intensified further this week, with the Houthis launching strikes on energy infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia, including facilities operated by Saudi Aramco.
The strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait has increased significantly since February 2025, as Saudi Arabia has relied more heavily on Red Sea exports following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi crude shipments through the Bab al-Mandeb passage between March and mid-July were reported to be eight times higher than during the same period in 2025.
Despite the escalation, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud stated earlier this week that while he accused the Houthis of prioritizing narrow interests, the possibility for diplomatic resolution remains open.
Article and image source: iranherald.com
