Yemen's Houthis seize strategic Red Sea port of Mokha

Yemen's Houthis have seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, military sources and witnesses say. The Iran-backed group said they posed no threat to international shipping but reiterated that they would target vessels from Saudi Arabia, which has relied on the Red Sea for oil exports since the US and Israel's war with Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. On Friday, pro-government forces also withdrew from Perim island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to officials. Witnesses reported that Houthi forces moved onto the island. The strait is the southern gateway to a key shipping route that links Asia and Europe via the Red Sea and Suez canal. Oil prices have surged, reaching $100 a barrel for the first time since July, amid the conflict escalation. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced since the Houthis launched an offensive in the south-west a week ago. A Saudi-led coalition has also carried out air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in western Yemen in support of the pro-government forces, and the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at cities and oil facilities in southern Saudi Arabia. Mokha residents said Houthi fighters moved into the city after fierce clashes with pro-government forces on Wednesday night, prompting many families to flee their homes. The takeover came without warning, causing panic among residents. Many displaced families are heading east towards the city of Aden, where Yemen's internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council and government are based. Earlier report (2026-09-11 14:15): Yemen's Houthis have seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, military sources and witnesses say. The capture leaves the Iran-backed group only 75km (46 miles) away from the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the southern gateway to a trade route that links Asia and Europe. The Houthis said they posed no threat to international shipping but reiterated their threat to target vessels from Saudi Arabia, which has relied on the Red Sea for oil exports since the US and Israel's war effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. The escalation of the conflict between the Houthis, Yemen's government and Saudi Arabia has contributed to a surge in oil prices. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced since the Houthis launched an offensive in the south-west a week ago. A Saudi-led coalition has also carried out air strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in western Yemen in support of the pro-government forces, and the Houthis have launched missiles and drones at cities and oil facilities in southern Saudi Arabia. Mokha residents said Houthi fighters moved into the city after fierce clashes with pro-government forces on Wednesday night, prompting many families to flee their homes. 'The takeover came without warning,' one resident said, describing the scenes of panic and chaos. 'Panic spread throughout the area, forcing people to flee amid distressing scenes of injured people lying in the streets with no-one there to help them.' Another resident expressed fear for the safety of the Ansar Allah group, saying 'At the moment, we don't know what Ansar Allah will do. Everyone is afraid for their safety.' Displaced families are heading east towards the city of Aden, where Yemen's internationally recognised Presidential Leadership Council and government are based. 'We fled with our children and kept running. We have no bedding, no home, nothing with us. Everything was destroyed within an hour. They didn't even give us a chance or warn us beforehand,' one woman said. The lack of warning and swift takeover has left many without shelter or resources. The Houthis have yet to confirm the capture of Mokha, but the city's capture marks a significant development in the conflict. The city's strategic location and access to the Bab al-Mandab Strait make it a key prize for the Houthis. The escalation of the conflict has had far-reaching consequences, including a surge in oil prices and the displacement of thousands of people. The international community is closely watching the situation, as the capture of Mokha brings the Houthis closer to controlling a key international shipping route.