Iran-aligned Houthi militants have reportedly seized control of Yemen's key port city of Mocha, a development that significantly intensifies concerns for global energy markets and maritime security in the Red Sea. Four Yemeni government military sources confirmed the takeover to Reuters on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The seizure places Houthi forces in a more dominant position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow but crucial waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. This strait is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, vital for the transit of oil and goods between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The move comes amidst a broader regional conflict, with the Houthis having previously declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and stepped up attacks on its southern territories. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, has increasingly relied on the Red Sea route for its exports, especially as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have made that passage more volatile.
Military sources also indicated that the Houthis have been targeting the strategic Hanish islands, which are situated near the southern entrance to the Red Sea. Control over these islands would further solidify their ability to disrupt shipping.
International reactions are emerging, with Pakistan reportedly urging Tehran to rein in its Houthi allies to prevent further escalation. However, a senior Iranian official is said to have responded that "Iran does not control the Houthis."
The escalation also follows comments from US President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday expressed his belief that surging oil prices, attributed to the Iran conflict, would likely subside after the upcoming US midterm elections.