Report: Houthis Near Control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Yemen’s internationally recognized government announced Thursday afternoon that the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels had taken control of the strategic port city of Mocha on the Red Sea coast. The ground advance puts them within a very short distance, less than 50 miles, and gives them direct access to the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important shipping and energy routes.

As previously reported, the Houthis launched a large-scale ground offensive two days ago and succeeded in taking control of extensive territory along the Red Sea coast. By capturing the port city, they are closing in on the coastal cities near the strait. Full control of the area would allow the Houthis and Iran to impose a tight blockade on the strait without needing long-range weapons. That would pose a direct threat to Saudi Arabia’s oil exports and to global trade, especially after Iran has already effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz.

Forces of the Yemeni government, backed by Saudi Arabia, launched counteroffensives in other parts of Yemen, including al-Jawf and Marib, in an effort to divert the pressure. At the same time, the Saudi-led coalition carried out heavy airstrikes against Houthi positions.

Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia sent a message to Iran through Pakistan, calling on it to order the Houthis to halt their offensive. The move was carried out in close coordination among Riyadh, Islamabad, and Ankara, which are signatories to a defense alliance.