Yemen's Houthi movement has reportedly seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, according to military sources. The capture of Mokha would bring the Iran-backed group closer to controlling the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key shipping route located approximately 75km (46 miles) to the south.
Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced since the Houthis launched an offensive in the south-western coastal region a week ago. This development coincides with a significant escalation in the Houthis' conflict with neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which has reportedly contributed to a surge in global oil prices.
On Tuesday, the Houthis launched dozens of drones and missiles at southern Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 civilians and causing fires at several oil facilities, leading to a temporary halt in operations, Saudi authorities stated. The Houthis claimed these attacks were in retaliation for Saudi air strikes on their territory in north-western Yemen, including one on a prison in Hazm that local officials said killed at least 23 civilians.
A Saudi-led coalition of Arab states has supported Yemen's government against the Houthis in the country's civil war for over a decade. An informal ceasefire, which began four years ago, started to unravel in July when the Houthis announced a "maritime embargo" against Saudi Arabia and initiated missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities, and tankers in the Red Sea.
The Houthis stated their actions were in response to a Saudi blockade of ports and airports in their territory, as well as an air strike on Sanaa airport that they attributed to Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea has become crucial for Saudi Arabia's oil exports since the start of the US and Israel's war with Iran, which has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf.