Houthis Seize Yemeni Port of Mocha to Control Red Sea Coast

Strategic Stakes Along the Red Sea Chokepoint

Seizing the coast poses a strategic threat to Saudi Arabia and the United States. According to regional observers, the push brings Iran and its proxies closer to controlling two vital shipping chokepoints on opposite sides of the Arabian peninsula: the Bab al-Mandeb strait at the southern end of the Red Sea and the strait of Hormuz in the Gulf.

The conflict data monitor Acled estimates there were 276 fatalities over a five-day fighting period alone. Clashes have ranged across Ad Dali, al-Bayda, Marib, Shabwah, al-Jawf, Hodeidah, and Taiz. Houthi-linked estimates suggest rebel forces have gained control of more than 2,320 sq miles (6,000 sq km) of land.

Ground Offensives and Strategic Retreats

The Houthis claim control of Mocha in Taiz province, the inland city of Hays, and the Khalid ibn al-Walid camp, which serves as the region’s largest military base. Maj Gen Tareq Saleh, commander of Yemeni government forces, confirmed he organized a strategic retreat south of Mocha to regroup in a secure location.

“The armed forces in the western coast paid a heavy price – martyrs and wounded – over the past days as they confronted the Houthi attack planned by Iran, and supported by it,” Maj Gen Saleh said.

Saudi Arabia continues utilizing air superiority to strike Houthi positions, launching as many as 40 airstrikes in a single Thursday campaign. Government sources acknowledge rebel ground advances along the coast alongside missile strikes targeting the strategic Red Sea islands of Zuqar and Hanish.

Origins of the Red Sea Naval Blockade

The current cycle of all-out violence traces back to July, when a senior Houthi delegation flew to Tehran for the funeral of the Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Returning on an Iranian plane, Saudi authorities refused to let the aircraft land in rebel-controlled Sana’a and instead bombed the runway.

In response, the Houthis announced a Red Sea naval blockade of Saudi Arabia on 20 July. This declaration led directly to a strike on Saudi Arabia’s Jazan refinery on 25 July and an attack on a tanker off Yanbu on 24 August. Saudi Arabia has grown increasingly reliant on Red Sea shipping routes for trade after Iran throttled traffic through the strait of Hormuz following US-Israeli attacks.

Outlook for Regional Fighting

Sherwan Hindreen Ali, a Yemen analyst for Acled, notes that a reduction in hostilities is unlikely in the near term. Both sides continue escalating operations with the goal of inflicting enough damage to force a compromise.

“In terms of military capability, both sides are more equal compared to the immediate period prior to the 2022 ceasefire when the Houthis had the upper hand,” Ali said, adding that fighting will remain focused on Hodeidah and Taiz to control the strait of Bab al-Mandab.

The Houthis aim to pressure Saudi Arabia and the US into lifting the American blockade on Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf. Meanwhile, Donald Trump acknowledged that he does not expect the war with Iran to end before the US midterm elections in November.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the latest wave of fighting in Yemen?
The escalation began after Saudi Arabia bombed the runway in Sana’a when an Iranian plane carrying a returning Houthi delegation attempted to land following the funeral of the Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in July.

Which key locations have the Houthis claimed?
The rebel group claims control of the port of Mocha, the inland city of Hays, and the Khalid ibn al-Walid military camp in Taiz province.

How is the conflict affecting global markets?
The intense fighting along vital shipping lanes has contributed to oil prices climbing above $100 a barrel.