Iran war latest: Houthis seize Mokha to expand control along Yemen's west coast

The Iranian-backed Houthi terror group seized control of Mocha, a Yemeni port city on the Red Sea, according to three Yemeni government officials speaking to Reuters on Thursday. Arab media outlets initially reported that Yemeni government forces had abandoned the city early Thursday as the Houthis made their advance. Photos and videos circulating on social media showed Houthi fighters within the city.

The capture of Mocha marks a significant victory for the Houthis, allowing them to further solidify their control over the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait. However, the National Resistance Front, a coalition of forces opposing the Houthis led by Tareq Saleh, a former Houthi ally and senior government figure, reported that a force commander led a military contingent into Mocha on Thursday morning.

NRF's official media outlet stated that reorganization and consolidation of Mocha's defenses are currently underway in coordination with the anti-Houthi coalition. Clashes between NRF forces and Houthi naval forces were reported by the outlet.