Yemen's Houthi Rebels Seize Key Port, Threatening Global Oil Routes
Iranian-aligned Houthi forces seized control of the Yemeni port city of Mokha on Thursday, according to four government military sources. This strategic move escalates threats to international energy transit routes, coinciding with a 3.5% surge in Brent crude oil prices, which surpassed $100 per barrel amid concerns over supply disruptions.
The takeover of Mokha grants the Houthis significant leverage over the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint at the southern entrance to the Red Sea and a vital global shipping lane. Additional government sources reported that Houthi forces also advanced to the strategic Hanish Islands.
The Houthi movement, which began attacking Israel in late March and declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia in July, has intensified its assaults on the southern regions of the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia's reliance on the Red Sea route has increased as the conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
In response to ongoing Houthi attacks, Saudi civil defense authorities issued emergency warnings for the city of Khamis Mushait for the fourth time within 24 hours.
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