Yemen’s ruling Ansar Allah movement captured a key Red Sea port city. Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, has made gains since the war with Saudi Arabia reignited in July.
On Thursday, Ansar Allah’s forces captured Mokha, a strategic port city about 50 miles from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The seizure expands Ansar Allah’s control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and strengthens its position near one of the world’s most important shipping chokepoints. About 12% of global trade passes through Bab el-Mandeb
The Bab el-Mandeb has become even more crucial as the Strait of Hormuz is largely closed to tankers due to the ongoing war against Iran. Ansar Allah captured the city from Yemen’s internationally recognized government that is backed by Saudi Arabia. While that government has international recognition, it has relatively little power in Yemen.
An official allied with the Saudi-backed government confirmed to the AP that Ansar Allah captured Mokha. Ansar Allah senior official Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti told RT that “We have taken control of Bab el-Mandeb.”
In 2014, Ansar Allah seized the capital city and took control over most populated regions in Yemen. Initially, the US worked with Ansar Allah to target Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. However, Saudi Arabia viewed Ansar Allah’s control of Yemen as problematic. Riyadh formed a government-in-exile, which it attempted to install in power with a mass bombing campaign, a blockade, and by backing militias opposed to Ansar Allah.
The Obama administration backed the Saudi-led war as Washington sought to reassure Riyadh about its relationship with the US amid Saudi concerns over the Iran nuclear deal. The war killed hundreds of thousands of people, caused a cholera epidemic, and the blockade resulted in widespread malnutrition among children.
During the war, Ansar Allah developed missile and drone capabilities that were able to cause significant damage to Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure. While Riyadh and Sanaa agreed to a ceasefire in 2022, they have not reached an agreement to end the war. During the truce with Saudi Arabia, Ansar Allah has fought multiple wars with Israel and the US.
While Ansar Allah is considered an ally of Tehran, Yemen has largely remained on the sidelines of the US and Israeli war against Iran. Sanaa has threatened to blockade the Red Sea and fire missiles and drones at Israel.
The most recent fighting between Ansar Allah and Saudi Arabia started in July following Saudi strikes on the Sanaa Airport.
