Houthi Forces Seize Yemen’s Mocha Port, Raising Concerns Over Global Shipping
On Thursday, Iranian-backed Houthi forces captured the important port city of Mocha in Yemen and moved closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This development poses a new threat to international trade, especially as shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have already faced significant restrictions.
This advance by the Houthis jeopardizes access to the southern entrance of the Red Sea, which Saudi Arabia has increasingly utilized to avoid Hormuz. This situation adds pressure to vital shipping routes on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula, potentially disrupting oil and other commercial traffic.
Hisham Al-Omeisy, a senior Yemen advisor at the European Institute of Peace, noted, “With Iran controlling Hormuz and the Houthis now taking Bab el-Mandeb, we could see significant rises in prices for oil, goods, and other essentials.”
Sources within the Yemeni government reported that as of Thursday, the Houthis had reached the Hanish Islands following their capture of Mocha, while Saudi-backed Yemeni forces retreated southward towards Dhubab, which lies opposite the crucial island of Perim. Holding onto Dhubab and Perim would be vital for both sides’ control over the strait.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is only about 18 miles wide at its narrowest point and serves as a major route for goods traveling between Asia and Europe, as well as energy shipments. Its importance has increased over recent years due to ongoing Iran-related conflicts.
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows a rise in crude oil and petroleum liquids flow through Bab el-Mandeb, averaging 8.1 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2026. In contrast, shipments through Hormuz saw a dramatic drop from 21.6 million to 4.9 million barrels per day.
As Houthi forces continue to advance, they have gained access to military supplies left behind by retreating government troops. Al-Omeisy warned that this could strengthen the Houthi military capabilities in other areas, making it harder for government forces to regain control.
The U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely, with officials emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe navigation in the Red Sea and supporting regional partners in handling security challenges.
Clashes have intensified in the region, with ACLED data indicating at least 276 fatalities from September 3 to 7 alone. This surge in violence highlights the urgency of the situation, as both sides fight for key territories that have strategic significance.
Saudi Arabia has launched numerous airstrikes against Houthi positions in recent days, marking a significant uptick in military action, while the Houthis have retaliated with attacks inside Saudi Arabia, escalating tensions further.
The increased conflict raises questions about a new joint defense agreement recently signed between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, which promises collective defense responses. However, Pakistan’s government has stated that no military response is currently being considered.
As the situation evolves, the international community’s reaction may become increasingly crucial, with the Houthis strategically exploiting divisions among their opponents.
With rising oil prices already reflecting the increased conflict, the potential for broader implications on global trade and safety remains a pressing concern for many observers.
