Houthis seize strategic Red Sea port near key shipping route – media

The Iran-aligned group has reportedly captured Mocha and is advancing toward the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital shipping route linking Europe and Asia Yemen’s Houthis have seized the crucial Red Sea city of al-Makha (Mocha) and are advancing toward the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, media reports claimed on Thursday.According to Reuters, the Houthis pushed Saudi-backed government forces out of Mocha after several days of fierce fighting, capturing both the city and its port. Witnesses told AFP that they saw Houthi fighters entering on Thursday chanting “death to America, death to Israel.”The Houthis have also reportedly attacked the strategic Hanish islands, pushing government forces further south. An unnamed military source claimed the group seized Zuqar Island after rocket attacks and an amphibious assault. Control of the area would strengthen the Houthis’ position on Yemen’s side of Bab al-Mandeb, potentially cutting government supply routes and depriving Saudi-backed forces of a key logistics hub, sources said.Yemen’s internationally recognized government has not confirmed Mocha’s capture. However, Lt. Gen. Tareq Saleh, whose forces controlled the city, said earlier Thursday he had order...