A major shift is unfolding on Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
Houthi fighters have reportedly seized the strategic port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed government forces.
The move brings the Iran-aligned group just 75km from the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Why does that matter? The narrow passage is a crucial gateway for trade between Asia and Europe.
This means the fighting could have consequences far beyond Yemen.
Residents described scenes of panic after fierce clashes on Wednesday night.
Families fled east towards Aden, while shops and government offices in Mokha shut down.
One resident said, “Everyone is afraid for their safety.”
Red Sea Escalation Grows
The Houthis say they do not intend to threaten international shipping, but they have repeated their warning that Saudi vessels remain targets.
Their forces have also reportedly seized nearby Zuqar Island.
The escalation has already affected energy markets.
Saudi Arabia depends heavily on Red Sea routes for oil exports after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed by the wider regional conflict.
Recent Houthi attacks have hit Saudi cities and oil facilities.
Saudi-backed forces, meanwhile, have launched air strikes against Houthi-controlled areas.
Hundreds have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced since the latest offensive began.
With Mokha now reportedly under Houthi control, one question is unavoidable: is this still a local war—or is the Red Sea becoming its next front?
