Overview
- The Huthi movement launched a rapid offensive this week and seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast, consolidating control of the Bab el‑Mandeb strait and taking the port city of Moca on Thursday.
- Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia report localized counterattacks around Moca and say they destroyed Huthi vehicles and weapons and killed militia fighters, according to the Saba news agency.
- Huthi statements say navigation through the strait will be safe except for Saudi ships, and the group has been linked to wide drone-and-missile attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure this week.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmán reportedly pressed President Trump for U.S. strikes against the Huthis, but the U.S. declined and President Trump said the Huthis contacted Washington asking it not to intervene.
- The takeover raises shipping costs and delays by threatening the Suez route, risks Saudi crude exports that use the corridor, and has displaced civilians who fled Moca toward Aden as fighting continues.