Houthi Forces Reportedly Seize Yemen's Mocha Port
Houthi forces reportedly seized Yemen's port of Mocha on Thursday. The claim has not been independently confirmed.
Residents and doctors said Houthi forces entered the port. The Associated Press could not verify these reports.
The Houthis are Iran-aligned fighters based in Yemen. The takeover would be part of a bigger push.
Houthi forces are moving along Yemen's Red Sea coast. They are heading toward the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
This strait is a major global shipping route. Four Yemeni government military sources said Houthis gained more control there.
They are also attacking the Hanish islands nearby. The offensive may copy Iran's blockade strategy in the Hormuz Strait.
The advance could threaten a fragile truce from 2022. It may also disrupt shipping and aid deliveries.
Houthis also recently gained ground in Taiz along the al-Shaqira supply route. Mocha had been controlled by forces loyal to Yemen's recognized government.
Key Terms 5
- Houthis Iran-aligned fighters battling Yemen's internationally recognized government.
- Bab al-Mandeb Strait Narrow waterway linking the Red Sea to global shipping routes.
- Hormuz Strait Key oil shipping passage between Iran and the Gulf.
- Hanish islands Islands in the Red Sea near Yemen's coast.
- Yemen's recognized government The internationally backed government opposed by Houthi fighters.