Houthis seize Yemen's Mokha port on the Red Sea as attacks on Saudi Arabia escalate

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have taken control of the strategic Mokha port in Yemen, expanding their reach along the Red Sea and near the crucial Bab Al Mandeb shipping route. Pro-government officials confirmed the takeover, which was the result of days of intense fighting with loyal forces. Yemen's Vice Chairman Tareq Saleh announced the formation of an alternative command center to regroup their troops.

Mokha, located approximately 150km south of the Houthi-held Hodeidah port, has long served as a key base for government forces. The Houthi seizure marks a significant victory for the group, granting them control over another vital coastal point overlooking a major global shipping lane. Intensifying clashes between the rebels and government forces have been ongoing, while the Houthis have also ramped up their attacks on Saudi Arabia and Red Sea shipping in support of their Iranian allies.

Saudi Arabia issued emergency precautions for citizens, and the Houthis continued their aggression with ballistic missile and drone strikes on Saudi cities, causing civilian casualties. In response, Saudi Arabia launched 54 airstrikes across Yemen, which the Houthis vowed to retaliate against responsibly. Pakistan intervened by warning Tehran to rein in the Houthis, citing a defense pact between the three nations.

The UN expressed concern that Houthi attacks risked escalating the conflict and jeopardizing a political resolution.