Iran-backed Houthi forces have seized control of the historic Red Sea port city of Mocha in Yemen. The capture followed a week-long offensive through western Taiz and southern Al-Hudaydah provinces, after government-aligned forces abandoned the town and surrounding districts. The advance brought approximately 2,600 square kilometres of western coastal territory under Houthi control.
Mocha’s strategic value stems from its proximity to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, located roughly 65 to 70 kilometres to the south. The loss weakens the government coalition’s control over the Red Sea coastline and has raised concerns among regional and international shipping interests regarding the security of vessels using the corridor. Defensive positions across the western coastal strip collapsed rapidly rather than resulting in a prolonged battle.
Yemeni government officials have not yet detailed plans for a counteroffensive. Meanwhile, the United Nations and several Gulf states have called for restraint from all parties, though no specific ceasefire or negotiation process has been announced.