Houthis’ breakthrough in Yemen threatens Red Sea, Suez shipping

According to sources cited by the outlets, the Houthis seized the city and its port after several days of heavy fighting with forces allied with Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia.

Mocha has become the focal point of a major Houthi ground offensive. Local officials said the rebels pushed government forces out of the city and gained control of the important Red Sea port.

Other media outlets later reported that Houthi forces landed on the Zuqar Island sitting in the middle of the strait. If confirmed, it would give the Iranian proxy unprecedented control over all shipping through the Red Sea, and, by extension, the Suez Canal.

One of the main routes for transporting oil and fuel from the Persian Gulf to Europe through Suez passes through the strait.