Houthis escalate fighting in Yemen, eyeing control over Mocha Port, Bab al-Mandab Strait – report

The Houthis have recently intensified fighting in Yemen, aiming to gain control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical international shipping route. According to The New York Times, citing local security sources, the Iran-backed group is escalating efforts to seize territory around western Taiz, specifically targeting the port city of Mocha, less than 50 miles from the strait. Colonel Abdul Basit al-Baher, a Yemeni government army officer, confirmed the Houthis' attempt to reach Mocha. Control of Mocha would allow the Houthis to exert greater influence over ships transiting the strait, building on their July declaration of a blockade on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and subsequent missile and drone attacks. Heavy clashes and attempts to cut off supply routes to Mocha have been reported, with the port itself targeted by over 25 missiles in early August, forcing a temporary suspension of operations.