Why fall of Yemen's historic coffee port Mokha matters

The Houthi seizure of Mokha, a historic Red Sea port, holds strategic importance for the Iran-backed militia. Located about 75km from the Bab Al Mandeb strait, Mokha's capture gives the Houthis a strategically important position. The port, once a renowned coffee trading hub, now serves as a crucial logistics center for Yemen, handling general cargo but far smaller than the main Red Sea port, Hodeidah.

Bab Al Mandeb, the southern outlet of the Red Sea, remains outside Houthi control, but the port of Mokha poses a significant threat. About 12 percent of global trade historically passed through the narrow strait, and its control is vital for the movement of crude oil and fuel from the Gulf to the Mediterranean. Currently, the Houthis are advancing towards Dhubab, an area closer to Bab Al Mandeb, highlighting the significance of Mokha in the context of the ongoing Iran war.

While the port does not grant the Houthis full control of international shipping, its geographical importance is undeniable. If the Houthis secure Mokha, it would represent a substantial territorial gain for Iran's proxies and potentially one of their most significant victories since the war began on February 28. However, it remains to be seen if Mokha marks the beginning of a Houthi push towards Dhubab and Bab Al Mandeb, which could have broader implications for global shipping routes in the already disrupted region.