Houthi forces seized the Yemeni port city of Mokha on Thursday, taking control of a stretch of Red Sea coast that guards access to the Bab al-Mandab strait.
They captured it from internationally recognised government forces, which called their withdrawal tactical. Port traffic had already stopped. Sustained attacks since early August had choked off commercial operations weeks before Thursday's assault.
Bab al-Mandab is shipping's southern Red Sea checkpoint. The waterway handles about a quarter of daily oil and petroleum shipments and close to a third of global maritime trade. Ships unable to pass must divert around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks and thousands of kilometres to voyages between Asia and Europe.
Houthis Seize Yemeni Port of Mokha, Threatening Bab al-Mandab Shipping Lane
Interest over time · Houthis seize Mokha port, threatening Bab al-MandabWho's watching
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