Yemen's government forces say they launched air strikes against Houthi fighters, vehicles and weapons along the Red Sea coast, targeting the strategic port city of Mocha and raising regional tensions.

  • Yemen’s army destroyed Houthi vehicles and personnel on the Mocha‑Dhubab road.
  • Houthi forces now control Mocha and Mayun Island, securing the Bab al‑Mandeb strait.
  • Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its key East‑West oil pipeline after a drone attack.

Yemen’s government forces announced that they carried out precise air strikes against Houthi militants along the Red Sea coastline, destroying vehicles, weapons and killing several members of the Iran‑backed militia near the port city of Mocha.

Spokesperson Majed Abdullah al‑Nazili told state news agency Saba that the strikes also hit Houthi “vehicles and members” on the Mocha‑Dhubab road, located 11 km (7 miles) from the city, following the group’s recent capture of Mocha.

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The Houthi rebels seized Mocha on Thursday and the island of Mayun on Friday, completing their grip on the Bab al‑Mandeb strait – a narrow waterway critical for global oil shipments.

Saudi Arabia has temporarily closed its 1,200‑km East‑West oil pipeline after it was targeted by drones on Friday. The drones are believed to have been launched from Iraq, though no group has claimed responsibility.

Iraq’s parliament speaker Haybat al‑Halbousi condemned the use of Iraqi territory for the attack, calling it “unacceptable” and contrary to the country’s policies and regional relations.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly called U.S. President Donald Trump twice last week requesting American air strikes on the Houthis, but the requests were declined. Trump, during a visit to Dublin, said the Houthis asked Washington not to intervene, stating, “The Houthis called us and they don’t want to fight with us.”

The head of U.S. Central Command, who oversees American forces across the Middle East, is now in Saudi Arabia for talks on the recent advances, according to an Al Jazeera source.

Historical Background

The Houthi insurgency began in 2014, plunging Yemen into a protracted civil war that has drawn in regional powers. In 2015, a Saudi‑led coalition intervened to restore the internationally recognized government, but fighting has persisted, especially along the Red Sea coast.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that any disruption in the Bab al‑Mandeb strait can instantly affect global oil prices, making Yemen’s internal battles a matter of worldwide economic stability.

“The Houthi advance threatens international shipping lanes and could reshape the power balance in the Middle East.”
Did You Know?: The Bab al‑Mandeb strait handles roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Houthis capture Mocha? Mocha is a strategic port that provides direct access to the Bab al‑Mandeb strait, allowing the Houthis to control a key maritime chokepoint.

Will this conflict affect global oil markets? Yes, any blockage or threat to the strait can cause delays in oil shipments and trigger price spikes worldwide.