According to reports from September 2026, the Houthi movement’s decision to end the 2022 truce has triggered a renewed offensive on the Red Sea coastal city of Mokha, threatening critical shipping lanes around the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Yemeni government forces, including the National Resistance led by Presidential Leadership Council member Tariq Saleh, withdrew from the area following heavy bombardment by Houthi ballistic missiles, artillery, and drones.
Geopolitical Stakes at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
The escalation in Yemen coincides with broader regional confrontations tied to US-Iran tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. According to regional analysis, the Houthi leadership launched the offensive on Taiz province to support Iran’s strategic positioning against Washington and to pressure Saudi Arabia. This military push aims to tighten a blockade on Taiz, cut off its historical port, and neutralize anti-Houthi republican guard forces along Yemen’s western coast.
Did you know? The port city of Mokha was previously recaptured from Houthi control by government forces during “Operation Golden Spear” in January 2017.
Military Dynamics of the Mokha Offensive
Houthi forces deployed overwhelming numerical superiority and heavy weaponry to breach government defense lines in the al-Waziyah district, which serves as the primary western coastal gateway from Taiz province. Despite weeks of resistance from the National Resistance and the national army’s Taiz axis, Houthi fighters captured the strategic Khalid bin الوليد (Khalid bin al-Walid) camp east of Mokha.
Government reinforcements from the Giants Brigade and National Shield forces arrived in the northern coastal districts of Hays and Khokha. However, as Houthi forces advanced without regard for heavy casualties—reportedly exceeding two thousand dead—forces in Hays and Khokha withdrew southward to avoid encirclement. This tactical retreat left the coastal cities largely empty of combatants and displaced residents.
Regional Reactions and US-Iran Dynamics
Regional and international actors are unlikely to accept long-term Houthi control over the Bab el-Mandeb strait, despite recent diplomatic engagements such as Houthi representatives meeting with US embassy officials in Muscat, Oman. Observers note that the US administration faces pressure from Gulf allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, to respond to Houthi attacks on maritime traffic and Saudi oil infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Houthi movement launch the Mokha offensive?
According to political analysts, the offensive aims to support Iran’s regional posture, pressure Saudi Arabia, enforce a tighter siege on Taiz, and eliminate rival military forces along Yemen’s western coast.
What is the current status of Yemeni government forces in the region?
Government forces that withdrew from Mokha and surrounding coastal areas are actively reorganizing and preparing for a counteroffensive to retake lost territory north of the strait.
How are local civilians affected by the renewed fighting?
The resumption of hostilities has triggered significant displacement, with many residents fleeing south and east toward areas controlled by the internationally recognized government.
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