Yemeni pro‑government forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, announced on Monday that they have retaken the Red Sea port city of Mokha and "secured" the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a key maritime chokepoint. The claim comes as part of a broader offensive launched by the internationally recognised government to reclaim territory held by the Iran‑backed Houthi movement.
Background to the conflict
The civil war in Yemen erupted in 2014 when the Houthi rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, forcing the government into exile. A Saudi‑led coalition intervened in 2015 to restore the government’s authority, leading to a protracted and devastating conflict. A fragile four‑year ceasefire began to unravel in July 2023 after the Houthis imposed a maritime embargo on Saudi Arabia and escalated missile and drone attacks.
Recent offensive and the recapture of Mokha
The latest operation, dubbed Operation Yemen Dawn, was announced by the head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council on Sunday. According to the Yemeni military, three pro‑government units – National Shield, Giants Brigades and Tihama Resistance – captured Mokha on Monday afternoon with the assistance of Saudi air strikes. Earlier that day, forces also seized Dhubab airport, located 45 km south of Mokha, and began besieging Houthi fighters in the nearby town.
Strategic significance of the Bab al‑Mandab Strait
The Bab al‑Mandab Strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a vital route for international shipping, including oil exports. Control of the strait has been contested since the Houthis launched a surprise offensive along Yemen’s south‑western Red Sea coast last month, briefly holding Mokha, Dhubb, and Perim Island. By claiming to have "secured" the waterway, the Yemeni government signals an attempt to restore safe passage for commercial vessels and mitigate the recent surge in global oil prices caused by the Houthi seizure.
Humanitarian impact
The renewed fighting has already taken a heavy toll on civilians. The government’s health ministry reports at least 959 deaths and 5,000 injuries since 6 August. Saudi air strikes, part of the coalition’s round‑the‑clock support, have also caused civilian casualties, including a schoolgirl and a woman killed in Sanaa’s Sanhan and Saawan districts, according to Houthi‑run Al Masirah TV.
International implications
Control of the Bab al‑Mandab Strait is critical for global energy markets. With the Strait of Hormuz constrained by the US‑Israel conflict with Iran, Saudi Arabia has relied increasingly on Red Sea routes for oil exports. The Houthi seizure of the strait earlier this year contributed to rising oil prices, underscoring the strategic importance of the recent Yemeni claim of securing the waterway.
Uncertainty and next steps
While the Yemeni military announces the recapture of Mokha, Houthi‑run media has denied any advances in Dhubab. Independent verification of the situation on the ground remains limited, and the fluid nature of the frontlines means that control could shift rapidly. Further satellite imagery or third‑party reporting will be needed to confirm the durability of the government’s gains.
Key points
- Pro‑government forces claim to have retaken Mokha and secured the Bab al‑Mandab Strait.
- The offensive is part of Operation Yemen Dawn, backed by Saudi air support.
- Casualties have risen sharply, with nearly 1,000 deaths reported since early August.
- Control of the strait is vital for international shipping and oil markets.
- Houthi statements dispute some of the claimed advances, leaving the situation uncertain.
As the conflict continues to evolve, the security of the Red Sea waterway remains a focal point for both regional actors and global energy stakeholders.