Iran aligned Houthi militants have taken control of Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Mocha, according to Yemeni military sources, raising fresh concerns over global energy supplies and shipping.
Four government military sources said the Houthis had strengthened their position near the Bab el Mandeb Strait and launched attacks on the strategic Hanish Islands.
The development comes as the conflict has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil route. Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel as vessels faced disruptions in both the Gulf and Red Sea.
Yemeni government forces and their allies were reportedly moving south toward Dhubab, near the Bab el Mandeb, while the Houthis control much of northern Yemen and the country’s most populated areas.
Tensions have also increased between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with Saudi authorities issuing repeated emergency alerts in Khamis Mushait following attacks.
Pakistan has urged Iran to restrain its Houthi allies, but Tehran said it does not control the group.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he expected the Iran war to end after the November midterm elections, although reports suggest some senior U.S. officials believe the conflict could continue much longer.
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