Iran-Backed Houthis Seize Yemen’s Strategic Port

Iran-backed Houthi forces have taken control of Yemen’s key port city, Mocha, on Thursday, advancing towards positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This move opens up a potentially volatile new area for global trade, especially since shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faces significant limitations.

The Houthi advance poses a threat to the southern entrance to the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia has been increasingly relying on this route as an alternative to Hormuz. This situation puts pressure on vital shipping pathways around the Arabian Peninsula, risking further disruption to oil and commercial transport through a critical global trade chokepoint.

According to Hisham Al-Omeisy, a senior Yemen adviser at the European Institute of Peace, this development results in increased prices across various sectors, including oil and other goods. Al-Omeisy shared with Fox News Digital that Iran now has influence over both the Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb straits, controlling vital points on opposite sides of the Arabian Peninsula.

The United States remains focused on protecting core national security interests like ensuring freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Continuous dialogue is maintained with Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s government about regional stability.

On Thursday, Yemeni government sources reported that the Houthis have captured Mocha and reached the Hanish Islands. Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces have withdrawn south to Dhubab, an area directly opposite the strategic island of Perim. Gaining control over Dhubab and Perim could strengthen the hold over the strait, according to Yemeni government sources.

With Bab el-Mandeb spanning only about 18 miles at its narrowest point, it connects the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea and further north, the Suez Canal. This sea route is crucial for shipments flowing between Asia and Europe, including energy shipments.

Recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration noted a rise in crude oil and petroleum flows through Bab el-Mandeb, averaging 8.1 million barrels per day in Q2 2026, whereas Hormuz flows dropped significantly. Saudi Arabia rerouted crude via its East-West pipeline to avoid the Hormuz route, partly contributing to the increase.

Al-Omeisy highlighted a concerning aspect beyond geographic gains, emphasizing the retreating government forces’ abandoned military materiel. This could enhance Houthi forces’ strength on other fronts due to established equipment, munitions, drones, and vehicles left behind.

Reuters reported that Iranian arms and guidance from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards aided the Houthi advance. Iranian sources mentioned Tehran instructed the Houthis to intensify attacks on Saudi Arabia, promising more support, though Tehran denies directing such operations.

Recently, ACLED, a conflict-monitoring organization, described the resumed intense hostilities between Houthis and Saudi-backed forces as the most serious escalation since mid-July. Reports show over 276 fatalities during clashes from September 3-7 across several regions like al-Dali, al-Bayda, Marib, Shabwa, and Taizz.

ACLED’s Middle East research manager, Sherwan Hindreen Ali, noted that both factions covet control over strategic areas along the Red Sea coast due to Bab el-Mandeb’s importance.

Saudi Arabia reportedly launched 15 strikes against Houthis during early September around Taizz. The Houthis retaliated with their significant wave of drone and missile attacks, injuring 73 people. The broadening conflict tests a recent joint defense agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey.

While this agreement pledges mutual response to armed attacks, Pakistan announced no current discussion of a military response despite recent attacks on Saudi territory.

Houthis claim safe international Red Sea navigation but impose a blockade on Saudi ships. Al-Omeisy warns of the increasing difficulty in reversing recent territorial gains by Houthis due to their strong reinforcement strategies.

Rising tensions have already impacted oil markets, with Brent crude surpassing $106.60 a barrel, and U.S. crude exceeding $100 for the first time since May.

Effie Lachter, a Fox News Digital reporter with extensive global conflict coverage experience, provides insights into the unfolding crisis. Her work spans conflict zones, revealing human trafficking networks, and documenting wars across continents. Her reporting includes engagements with senior political figures and delivering critical narratives from Putin’s opposition in Russia.