Houthi forces have captured Yemen’s strategic port of Mocha, putting the group closer to one of the world’s most important shipping routes between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Mocha lies about 80 kilometres from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which separates Yemen from Djibouti and Eritrea.
The narrow waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and forms part of the main maritime route between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal.
About 12% of global trade normally passes through the route.
Houthis capture Mocha port
The takeover was confirmed to the Associated Press by Ahmed Baash, a commander with Yemen’s government-allied National Resistance Forces, and Hazam al-Assad, a member of the Houthis’ political bureau.
Business Insider Africa reported that government forces withdrew south of Mocha after suffering casualties during the offensive.
The capture marks a significant territorial gain for the Houthis along Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
However, taking Mocha does not mean the group controls Bab el-Mandeb.
Instead, the advance strengthens its position along the coast and brings Houthi forces closer to areas overlooking the strait.
Why Bab el-Mandeb matters to Africa
Bab el-Mandeb sits between Yemen and the African coast.
At its narrowest point, the passage is about 26 kilometres wide.
Ships carrying oil, fuel and other goods use the route to travel between the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean and Europe.
If vessels cannot safely use the Red Sea and Suez Canal route, they can be forced to sail around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.
That longer journey can increase shipping times, fuel consumption and transport costs.
Houthi advance raises shipping concerns
Yemeni military sources also reported Houthi advances towards the Hanish Islands, according to Reuters.
The islands lie between Yemen and Eritrea and occupy a strategic position near vessels approaching Bab el-Mandeb.
Meanwhile, government forces were reportedly moving towards Dhubab, a coastal district close to the strait.
The Houthis have said Red Sea navigation remains safe for vessels not connected to Saudi Arabia.
Oil prices climb above $105
The developments come as global oil markets face growing pressure from conflict across the Middle East.
Brent crude climbed above $105 a barrel on Thursday, while US West Texas Intermediate crude moved above $100.
However, the increase cannot be attributed to the capture of Mocha alone.
Other attacks and disruptions around the Middle East have also raised concerns about global energy supplies.
The latest developments have increased attention on two crucial maritime routes: Bab el-Mandeb on the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula.
Any major disruption to these routes could have consequences for global shipping, energy markets and African economies.