Overview
- Houthi fighters captured the Red Sea port city of Mocha in a rapid advance reported Thursday and continued southward operations that sources say opened a path to the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait.
- The movement has taken or contested multiple southern Red Sea islands, including Zuqar and Mayyun, and international and local reporters say control of the last stretch of western Yemen coast is now in Houthi hands.
- Violent clashes continue between Houthi forces and Yemeni government troops, and reports indicate Saudi forces have engaged alongside government units in parts of the fighting.
- The U.S. has declined requests for direct strikes and will instead supply intelligence to partners, while Saudi leaders pressed Washington privately for military action according to reporting.
- Control or disruption of Bab el‑Mandeb risks major effects on trade and oil flows because the strait links the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, has already prompted Saudi rerouting of exports, and has raised oil prices and regional displacement of civilians.