By WorldSpokesperson News Desk
Yemen’s Houthi movement has claimed full control of the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait as its forces advance along the country’s Red Sea coast.
Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a senior official of Ansar Allah, made the claim amid a major Houthi offensive in western Yemen.
However, independent reports have so far confirmed the group’s capture of the strategic port city of Mokha, rather than full control of the entire Bab al-Mandab Strait. Reuters and other international outlets reported that Houthi forces are moving closer to the strait.
Houthis Capture Strategic Mokha
Houthi forces seized Mokha on Thursday after intense fighting with forces supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
The city sits on the Red Sea coast in Taiz province. Its location gives it major strategic importance because it lies close to the Bab al-Mandab waterway.
The Houthis have also expanded their presence along Yemen’s western coast. Reports say their forces are moving toward areas around Dhubab and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Advance Raises Shipping Concerns
The latest Houthi gains have increased concerns over shipping through the Red Sea.
Bab al-Mandab connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It is one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints.
The route links the Indian Ocean with the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean. Any disruption could affect global trade, energy shipments and shipping costs.
Reuters reported that the Houthi advance could give the group greater leverage over a major international shipping route. It also raises concerns about Saudi oil exports that rely on Red Sea routes.
Houthi Claims About Military Positions
Iranian media have reported further Houthi gains in western Taiz province. These reports include claims that Houthi forces captured the Khalid military base and other strategic positions.
Independent reporting has confirmed the broader Houthi advance along the western coast. However, individual battlefield claims about specific bases and airports remain difficult to verify independently.
The Houthis have also moved toward strategic islands and positions near the strait, according to regional and international reports.
Battle Could Reshape Red Sea Security
The capture of Mokha marks one of the Houthis’ most significant territorial gains since the 2022 ceasefire.
The group now has a stronger position along the Red Sea coast. Its forces are also closer to the narrow Bab al-Mandab passage.
For now, the claim of complete Houthi control of Bab al-Mandab should be treated as an unverified claim. The latest independent reports describe the Houthis as advancing toward the strait and expanding their control around it.
The development could further intensify the Yemen conflict. It could also increase risks for commercial shipping across one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
