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Analysis · Political · As of

After capturing Mokha, Houthis fight near Taiz and threaten Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Houthis captured the strategic port of Mokha and Mayun Island, taking control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Yemen's internationally recognized government declared a general mobilization, while Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan discuss joint defense. Fighting near Taiz has intensified: pro-government forces report 18 soldiers killed.

9 events in story8 sourcesVerified · 19/23 claims supported
After capturing Mokha, Houthis fight near Taiz and threaten Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Photo: Al Jazeera English

Sources

· 8

Key points

  • On September 10, Houthis captured Mokha and then Mayun Island, completing control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
  • Fighting continues near Taiz: pro-government forces report 18 soldiers killed, and on Tuesday claimed to have captured Karafan mountain and killed five Houthis.
  • Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are planning an emergency chiefs of staff meeting; Pakistan's prime minister called the threat to Mecca and Medina a 'red line'.
  • Oil prices rose on fears of disruptions to global shipping, and the UN reported displacement of more than 120,000 people.

What happened

On September 10, Houthis captured the strategic Red Sea port of Mokha. They then took Mayun Island, completing their control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Fighting is ongoing near Taiz: Saudi-backed pro-government forces are trying to push back the Houthis, and government forces report the bodies of 18 soldiers in an area they cannot reach. On Tuesday, those forces said they captured Karafan mountain, killing five Houthi fighters and wounding 20.

Why it matters

The Houthi advance raised concerns over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key shipping corridor between Europe and Asia. Oil prices rose on fears of further disruptions to global shipping. According to the UN, the offensive has displaced more than 120,000 people. In parallel, Houthis launched missile and drone strikes on Saudi Arabia, triggering emergency alerts in Mecca, Jeddah, and Yanbu. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the threat to Mecca and Medina a 'red line'.

Who's affected

The Houthi strikes affected Saudi cities: the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted six ballistic missiles in the direction of Taif and Yanbu. A Greek Patriot air defense system also shot down a ballistic missile and a drone in the Yanbu area. In Yemen, according to the International Organization for Migration, the fighting has displaced 132,000 people, including 75,000 in Taiz.

What to watch

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan announced plans to hold an emergency chiefs of staff meeting to discuss support for the kingdom under the Mecca joint defense agreement.

What's Next

An emergency meeting of the chiefs of staff of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan is expected to discuss support for the kingdom under the Mecca joint defense agreement.

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