Houthi forces have taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline following a rapid advance against forces aligned with the internationally recognised government, according to reports.
The development brings the Iran-aligned group closer to the centre of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
Al Jazeera, citing government sources and witnesses, reported that Houthi forces captured the remaining towns along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and advanced onto islands in the strategic waterway.
The advance comes after the Houthis captured the port city of Mocha, also known as al-Makha.
Houthis advance along Yemen Red Sea coast
Houthi fighters reached Mocha on Thursday as government forces withdrew from the strategic coastal city.
They then continued south towards Dhubab, which lies directly on the Bab al-Mandeb coast.
Government officials also reported that boats carrying Houthi fighters reached Mayyun Island, also known as Perim.
The island sits in the middle of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Al Jazeera reported that government forces withdrew from the island before Houthi fighters arrived.
The Sanaa-based Yemen Press Agency also reported that Houthi forces captured the al-Omari military camp overlooking the strait.
However, Al Jazeera noted that the Houthi authorities in Sanaa had not formally announced that they had taken control of Bab al-Mandeb.
Why Bab al-Mandeb matters
Bab al-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The narrow waterway lies between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, with Djibouti and Eritrea on the African side.
It forms part of the major shipping corridor connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
Around 12% of global trade normally passes through the route.
Its importance has increased further amid disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, another major maritime chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Greater Houthi control of Yemen’s southern Red Sea coastline could therefore increase concerns among shipping companies and insurers using the route.
Houthis seek to reassure international shipping
Houthi officials have sought to ease concerns over international navigation.
Hazem al-Assad, a member of the group’s political bureau, said international trade and navigation through the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb remained safe.
The Houthis have maintained restrictions targeting Saudi-linked shipping.
The group’s military spokesman, Yahya Saree, said Houthi forces had expelled Saudi-backed forces from six districts during the latest offensive.
Claims from the different sides about battlefield casualties and territorial gains remain difficult to independently verify.
Red Sea tensions raise energy concerns
The advance comes during heightened concerns over energy supplies and maritime trade across the Middle East.
Oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel amid wider regional tensions and disruption to key shipping routes.
Bab al-Mandeb is particularly important for Saudi Arabia because vessels leaving the kingdom’s Red Sea oil terminals can use the route to reach European markets.
Shipping through the Red Sea had already fallen during earlier periods of Houthi attacks on vessels.
The latest territorial changes could further influence decisions by shipping companies over whether to use the route or divert vessels around Africa.
Yemen conflict enters new phase
The Houthis have controlled Sanaa and large parts of western Yemen for years.
They have fought forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government since the country’s conflict escalated in 2014.
Saudi Arabia intervened militarily in 2015 in support of the government.
A United Nations-mediated truce in 2022 significantly reduced fighting, although clashes continued.
More intense fighting has returned this year, with the Houthis again targeting government positions and shipping in the Red Sea.
Their latest advance gives the group control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and strengthens its position around Bab al-Mandeb.
However, the extent to which the Houthis can exercise sustained control over maritime traffic through the international waterway remains uncertain.