Iran backed Houthi forces have taken control of the Yemeni port city of Mokha, increasing concerns about the security of one of the world's important shipping routes.
Mokha is located close to the Bab el Mandeb Strait, a major waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The route is important for international trade because a large amount of global goods normally passes through the area.
The takeover represents the Houthis' biggest territorial gain since the ceasefire reached in 2022. The development has raised concerns that fighting in Yemen could intensify again and threaten international shipping in the Red Sea.
The Houthis have been fighting Yemen's internationally recognized government for years. Their latest advance comes as tensions across the Middle East remain high.
Residents reported seeing Houthi forces across Mokha, while markets and shops in parts of the city were closed. Some residents have also moved toward safer areas as the situation has deteriorated.
The location of Mokha gives the Houthis a potentially important position near the Red Sea shipping route. Analysts have warned that further escalation could make international shipping more difficult and increase pressure on companies using the waterway.
The Bab el Mandeb Strait has already experienced a major decline in shipping activity following previous attacks on commercial vessels by the Houthis. Many shipping companies have avoided the route because of security concerns.
The latest development has also raised concerns about global energy supplies. The Red Sea route is connected to important oil and trade routes, meaning continued instability could affect international shipping costs and energy markets.
Iran has called for an end to the Saudi blockade of Yemen and urged the immediate return of peace talks. Tehran has also said that Yemen's sovereignty should be respected and that the country's problems cannot be solved through military alliances or a blockade.
Yemen's internationally recognized government has strongly opposed the Houthi advance. Saudi Arabia, which supports the government, has also remained involved in efforts to respond to the growing security situation.
The United Nations and other international officials are concerned that the latest developments could threaten the fragile peace that has existed since the 2022 ceasefire.
The capture of Mokha also comes at a time when the Strait of Hormuz is facing its own security problems. This has made the Bab el Mandeb route even more important for countries and companies looking for alternative shipping options.
The situation in Yemen could therefore have consequences beyond the country itself. Continued fighting could affect shipping routes, energy supplies and international trade while increasing pressure on governments to find a diplomatic solution.
The latest developments have renewed fears that Yemen could return to a wider conflict and that instability around its coastline could create additional risks for global maritime trade.