Houthi Rebels Seize Key Yemeni Port City, Threatening Global Shipping Routes
By Editor • September 10, 2026 • 1 min read
The Iran-backed Houthi rebel group has taken control of the strategic port city of Mokha in Yemen, raising alarms over shipping security in the Red Sea. This significant development occurred on September 10, 2026, as confirmed by both Houthi and Yemeni officials.
Mokha, located approximately 80 kilometers from the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is pivotal for maritime trade, accounting for about 12% of the world’s oil and goods shipments. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait has gained heightened importance since disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year, following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran.
This seizure marks the Houthis' most substantial territorial advance since a truce was established in 2022 that aimed to conclude the prolonged civil war in Yemen. Local residents report a visible Houthi presence throughout Mokha, with many businesses closing down. The city had previously been under the control of forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognized government, leading to concerns about a potential return to full-scale conflict which could worsen the humanitarian crisis and impact global energy markets.
Source: www.thehindu.com
