Yemen’s Houthis seize port city Mocha, closing in on control of Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Houthi forces seized control of the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Mocha on Thursday, according to multiple military and government sources. The move follows reports that the group is advancing toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global shipping route.

The capture of Mocha provides the Houthi movement with increased strategic leverage over the strait. The internationally recognized Yemeni government, currently operating from Saudi Arabia, confirmed the loss of the city as the Houthis continue to launch ongoing military operations in the region.