Houthis seize Yemen’s Red Sea coast, tightening grip on key shipping route

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces have rapidly expanded their control along the country’s Red Sea coast. 

They have seized the strategic port city of Mokha reaching the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and providing access to the Suez Canal.

Yemeni government officials said that Houthi fighters had completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandeb area and Mayyun Island, also known as Perim. According to reports, the government forces withdrew from the area.

The Houthis also seized Mokha before advancing south towards the strait. Yemeni officials told international media that the group had subsequently taken control of the entire western coastline.

The developments have raised fresh concerns over international shipping and global energy supplies. 

Bab al-Mandeb is one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints, connecting Europe and Asia through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Reuters estimates that petroleum volumes through the strait represented about 7% of global oil output in June.

The Houthi action has reportedly killed more than 500 people and displaced around 46,000, according to UN migration agency.