Houthis Advance Toward Bab al-Mandeb After Capturing Mokha, Raising Global Shipping Fears

By Thetripurapost Desk, Yemen
Sep 11, 2026
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Houthi forces are expanding their offensive along Yemen’s Red Sea coast after capturing the strategic port city of Mokha, with reports suggesting that their advance could bring the Bab al-Mandeb Strait under increasing threat and deepen concerns over global shipping and energy security.

The latest developments have drawn attention to Perim Island, a strategically located island near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Reuters, citing sources familiar with the situation, reported that forces linked to Yemen’s internationally recognised government had withdrawn from the island.

Control of Perim Island could provide a major strategic advantage because of its location near one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

Across the water lies Dhubab, where Houthi fighters have also reportedly established a presence. Together, these positions could strengthen the group’s ability to monitor maritime activity and potentially threaten vessels passing through the narrow Bab al-Mandeb passage.

Why Bab al-Mandeb Is Crucial for Global Shipping

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a vital corridor for international trade.

A disruption in this maritime route could affect commercial shipping and the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas. Any prolonged crisis could therefore add pressure to global energy markets and contribute to higher fuel prices.

The risk is particularly significant at a time when shipping through another major energy route, the Strait of Hormuz, is already under pressure because of tensions involving Iran and the United States.

A simultaneous escalation around Bab al-Mandeb could place additional strain on international supply chains and global energy flows.

Houthi Offensive Expands Along Yemen’s Red Sea Coast

Houthi forces have reportedly been making steady territorial gains along Yemen’s western coastline over the past several days.

Their latest offensive resulted in the capture of Mokha, a strategically important port city situated about 75 kilometres from the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The Houthis are now reported to be expanding their operations toward other strategically important areas, including the direction of Taiz.

The capture of Mokha has significantly strengthened the group’s position along the Red Sea coast and has increased pressure on forces aligned with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government.

Iran Accused of Providing Military Support

Reuters reported, citing sources, that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps provided military advice and assistance to the Houthis during the campaign linked to the capture of Mokha.

Iran has publicly denied directing Houthi military operations.

A regional diplomat familiar with Tehran’s activities said several senior commanders associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were present in Yemen and involved in overseeing operations and attacks connected to the wider conflict.

According to the diplomat, preparations and discussions surrounding the military strategy had been underway for several weeks.

An Iranian official said Tehran had held meetings with regional allies, including the Houthis. However, the official maintained that the decision to launch the operation against Mokha was taken by the Houthi leadership.

Five military officials associated with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government also said Iran had provided support to the Houthis during their latest Red Sea offensive.

Claims Over Quds Force Commander’s Role

Yemeni military sources, citing information allegedly obtained from captured Houthi fighters, claimed that Abdolreza Shahlai, a senior figure in Iran’s Quds Force, was involved in directing the operation.

Iran has not confirmed the allegation.

Iranian sources have identified Shahlai as a member of the Quds Force who has previously operated in Yemen.

How Are Weapons Reaching Houthi-Controlled Yemen?

Iranian sources claimed that despite air and naval restrictions around Houthi-controlled areas, the Revolutionary Guards continued to move weapons and military personnel into and out of Yemen.

The sources did not disclose the methods allegedly being used.

Ahmed Nagi, a Yemen specialist at the International Crisis Group, said the Houthi offensive along the Red Sea coast was the result of long-term preparation rather than a sudden military move.

According to Nagi, the Houthis have strengthened their military capabilities through access to newer weapons, including equipment allegedly obtained from Iran as well as weapons moved through smuggling networks.

Drones have also emerged as an important component of the group’s current military campaign.

Yemen Seeks Greater Saudi Military Support

As Houthi forces advanced, Yemen’s Saudi-backed government sought increased military assistance from Riyadh, according to Yemeni officials.

The government reportedly requested stronger Saudi air support against Houthi positions in key locations, including Sanaa and strategically important facilities such as oil storage sites.

Saudi Arabia, however, did not launch a major air campaign focused on the Mokha front.

Instead, Riyadh provided weapons, logistical assistance and intelligence support to Yemeni forces.

Saudi forces also carried out limited air operations, with greater attention reportedly directed toward the northern areas of Jawf and Marib.

Yemeni officials said Saudi Arabia remained cautious about entering a wider confrontation because of concerns that the Houthis could respond with additional drone attacks on Saudi territory.

Trump Reportedly Rejects Request for Direct US Airstrikes

Saudi Arabia had also sought stronger military backing from Washington.

According to reports, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested direct US airstrikes against Houthi positions, but President Donald Trump declined to authorise direct American military action.

The United States, however, continues to provide assistance to Saudi Arabia.

CNN reported that more than 100 US military advisers were present in Saudi Arabia, while a US official estimated the number at around 200.

These personnel are reportedly assisting Saudi forces with intelligence gathering and the identification of potential Houthi targets.

US military personnel are not directly participating in airstrikes against Houthi positions.

What Happens Next in Yemen?

The fall of Mokha and the Houthi advance toward strategically important positions near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait have raised the stakes in Yemen’s continuing conflict.

The response of Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally backed government will now be critical in determining whether the Houthi advance can be slowed or reversed.

Any further escalation near Bab al-Mandeb could have consequences extending well beyond Yemen, potentially affecting Red Sea shipping, global trade routes and international oil and gas markets.

As military activity continues along Yemen’s western coast, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait is emerging as another major geopolitical pressure point alongside the Strait of Hormuz.

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