Yemen’s Mocha gripped by fear after Houthi takeover

Yemen's Mocha lies in fear following Houthi takeover. The strategic Red Sea port city fell under Houthi control last week, causing a dramatic halt in daily life. Shops remain closed and schools deserted, with families confined to their homes. Mahmoud, a 34-year-old resident, shared that he hasn't left his home for a week, only venturing out to buy groceries out of necessity.

The bus driver spoke anonymously due to potential reprisals from the Houthis, who seized the city in a swift offensive. Many civilians have fled Mocha, a city renowned for its coffee trade, which now appears deserted.

Electricity is available, but it is abruptly cut off at 8:00 pm, plunging the city into darkness. Despite the presence of electricity, the fear of Houthi rule continues to grip the city. The price of a bus journey to Aden, the major southern city where the government is based, has skyrocketed, making it difficult for many to escape the city.

Residents fear for their children, with parents refusing to send them to school in Mocha due to concerns over Houthi propaganda and the potential recruitment of children into the Houthi ranks.

Youssef, a 45-year-old teacher, expressed that parents are either fleeing the city or refusing to send their children to school in Houthi-controlled areas. The fear of Houthi reprisals is palpable, with some residents deleting social media platforms like WhatsApp to avoid potential prosecution or arrest. Fear has become the prevailing emotion in Mocha after the Houthi takeover.