Yemeni government forces reported launching air strikes against Houthi positions near Mocha, a strategic Red Sea port. The strikes targeted Houthi fighters and vehicles, according to official statements. Mocha has long been a key hub for trade and shipping, making it a focal point in the ongoing conflict.
The Houthis, however, have made significant gains along the Red Sea coast. After a week-long offensive, they have seized control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. This move has raised concerns about the impact on global shipping routes.
Aid workers report that nearly 50,000 civilians have fled as Houthi forces advance. Entire villages have been emptied, with families trapped near the frontlines. Food supplies are dwindling, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The situation highlights the growing stakes of the conflict, with control of key coastal areas and shipping routes becoming a central issue. The region remains under intense pressure as the war continues to affect both local populations and international trade.
