Iran-backed Houthi forces have reportedly entered the strategic Yemeni port city of Mocha after a rapid advance along the Red Sea coast. Open-source reports say Saudi-backed forces withdrew, while Reuters reports the Houthis are nearing full control of Mocha and the nearby Dhubab. The port sits near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global trade and energy shipments.
Iran-backed Houthi forces are nearing full control of the strategic Red Sea port of Mocha and the nearby town of Dhubab, Reuters reported Thursday afternoon, citing sources on the ground. The report stops short of confirming the city has completely fallen but indicates Houthi fighters have entered the port area. This development follows a rapid Houthi advance along Yemen's southwestern coast.
The Zioneer reported earlier Thursday that Houthi forces had captured Mocha, along with the towns of Hays, Al-Khawkha, and Yakhtul, based on open-source battlefield reports. Israeli media (N12) cited unofficial reports, and Yemeni government officials later confirmed the capture to Reuters. At 13:11, The Zioneer reported local footage showing Houthi control after Saudi-backed forces withdrew from the area. The latest Reuters sourcing now suggests that while Houthi fighters have entered the port, full control has not yet been achieved.
The advance brings the Houthis closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. The Houthis have captured over 2,500 square kilometers along the coast in recent days, tightening their grip on the Yemeni side of the strait. The Zioneer has previously reported on Houthi threats to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb and on Iranian backing for the group's maritime operations.
Full confirmation of Houthi control over Mocha remains pending. The situation is fluid, with battlefield reports still evolving.
10 developments
- DevelopingHouthis and IRGC capture western Yemen coast, seize Az-Zubab, advance toward Bab el-Mandeb
- DevelopingHouthis seize Hanish Islands group, tightening grip on Red Sea shipping lanes
- StrongHouthi capture of Bab el-Mandeb coast could enable full strait blockade, The Zioneer assesses
- StrongHouthis declared naval siege on Bab el-Mandeb last week, sparking Saudi confrontation
Source and signal
- Open-source intake