Yemen’s Houthi rebels are mounting a major offensive along the Red Sea coast, claiming control of the strategic port of Mocha and other territory as fighting with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government reaches its highest intensity in years. Further Houthi gains could strengthen the Iran-aligned group’s influence around the Bab al-Mandeb, a critical chokepoint for international shipping, while tensions also remain elevated around the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia has responded with extensive airstrikes as government forces attempt to contain the coastal advance, with hundreds of fatalities reported during the escalation. Continued fighting could further disrupt Red Sea shipping and Saudi trade routes, contributing to wider energy-market concerns and pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel.
