Yemen Government Forces Claim Control of Strategic Red Sea Port
“We have taken control of Mocha after fierce fighting with the Houthis,” the Yemeni military said on Monday, citing casualties among Houthi forces. The Saudi-led coalition backing the government also announced an air campaign targeting Houthi positions, with 100 fighter jets providing “air protection” over the critical waterway, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Reuters noted that Yemeni government sources described Houthis retreating into highlands near Mocha, while the group claimed gains in Taiz.
Houthis Deny Loss of Mocha, Escalate Attacks
The Houthis, however, dismissed the government’s claims, with deputy governor of Taiz Fuad Sinan stating in a video message that “we are currently roaming around in the streets of Mocha city… negating any reports in the media about the occupation of Mocha city.” The group also claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport and an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, though Riyadh has not confirmed the allegations. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Sanaa noted that “intense fighting is currently occurring in the south of Bab al-Mandeb, and also near the city of Taiz,” with no clear resolution yet.
Satellite imagery from Sunday showed a plume of smoke rising from the Khurais Central Processing Facility, as well as a potential strike point, according to Source 2. The Houthis also claimed to have hit an airbase and other critical locations, though no verification of these claims has been provided.
Saudi-Led Coalition Launches Air Campaign
The Saudi-led military coalition reported destroying 324 “high-value” targets in the operation, according to the BBC. The coalition’s spokesman, Major-General Turki al-Maliki, stated that the air campaign aimed to secure the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a vital route for global energy supplies. Yemen’s government-aligned Saba news agency claimed forces had captured Dhubab district and cut off Houthi supply lines, though Houthi-run media denied the advances. Reuters noted that Yemeni government sources described Houthis retreating into highlands near Mocha, while the group claimed gains in Taiz.
Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman emphasized the alliance’s “solidarity and unity” in confronting Houthi attacks. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions following the Houthis’ September offensive, which disrupted the Bab al-Mandeb strait and contributed to a spike in global oil prices.
International Response and Regional Tensions
In response to the escalation, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan agreed to activate “deterrence measures” under a mutual defense pact, according to a joint statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman emphasized the alliance’s “solidarity and unity” in confronting Houthi attacks. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions following the Houthis’ September offensive, which disrupted the Bab al-Mandeb strait and contributed to a spike in global oil prices.
The Houthis’ control of Mocha and the strait in September had already triggered volatility in oil markets, with Saudi Arabia reliant on the route for exports. The recent clashes have reignited concerns, though the extent of the government’s gains remains unverified. As the fighting continues, the region’s stability—and its impact on global energy security—remains a pressing concern for international stakeholders.
Fighting Displaces Thousands and Causes Hundreds of Deaths
The conflict has intensified in the southwest, with fighting near Taiz and the strait displacing thousands. The UN migration agency reported 184,000 displacements since the war resumed, while Yemen’s health ministry cited 959 deaths and 5,000 injuries since August. Al Jazeera’s reporting from Sanaa highlighted the uncertainty, noting that “what we do know for sure is that intense fighting is currently occurring… and we have to wait and see how the news is going to unfold.”
“I am terrified,” he said, “but I have no choice, we will all go hungry without our animals and die anyway.” “This is the daily state in Taiz,” said Shehab Hazaa.
Strategic Implications for Regional Security
However, the Houthis’ recent advances and the Saudi-led coalition’s challenges suggest the conflict remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Global Energy Markets Remain on Edge
The Houthis’ control of Mocha and the strait in September had already triggered volatility in oil markets, with Saudi Arabia reliant on the route for exports. The recent clashes have reignited concerns, though the extent of the government’s gains remains unverified. As the fighting continues, the region’s stability—and its impact on global energy security—remains a pressing concern for international stakeholders.
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