Pro-Iranian Houthis Seize Control of Strategic Red Sea Coast and Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Pro-Iranian Houthi fighters have seized control of the Yemeni coast on the Red Sea and the islands of the Bab el-Mandeb strait following a rapid offensive. The advance included the capture of the port city of Moka and the island of Mayyun, consolidating the group's grip on a critical maritime passage linking Europe and Asia. This development follows a period of renewed hostilities in Yemen that began in July, occurring against the backdrop of broader conflicts involving Iran and the United States.

In retaliation for Saudi bombings, the Houthis claimed to have launched drone and missile attacks against a Saudi military base in Sharurah and reported projectiles landing in the Jizan region. Saudi civil defense reported two injuries resulting from these attacks. Meanwhile, the internationally recognized Yemeni government has conducted airstrikes in Taëz and launched attacks near Moka and Dhubab to counter the Houthi advance.

The offensive has triggered a humanitarian crisis. Over 70,000 people have fled since September, with many refugees moving toward Aden or crossing into Djibouti. The International Organization for Migration warned that emergency stocks are exhausted and there is an urgent need for food, water, and shelter.

Diplomatic tensions have risen as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly requested military assistance from U.S. President Donald Trump, who declined to intervene. President Trump stated that the Houthis had asked him not to intervene in the war.

Outlets with different political leanings framed the motivations behind the offensive differently. Center and center-left sources focused on the strategic military consolidation and the resulting humanitarian and diplomatic pressures. A center-right source framed the move as a financial strategy, arguing that the Houthis seek to fill their own coffers through customs and smuggling to reduce their dependence on Iran.