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Houthis Seize Mocha, Tightening Grip on Red Sea Trade

By Geopolitics Desk · 2026-09-10 · Updated 2026-09-10 23:09 UTC
A narrow, deep blue sea strait flanked by rugged, arid coastal cliffs.
Illustration: Tradingbird

Houthis have seized the strategic port of Mocha and the nearby Zuqar Island, moving closer to the Bab al-Mandab strait as Saudi airstrikes intensify. The escalating offensive has triggered a mass exodus of civilians toward Aden and pushed global oil prices above $100 per barrel amid broader regional maritime disruptions.

  • France 24 reports that Houthi forces have also captured Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea following a combined rocket and boat-borne assault, while displaced civilians fleeing the conflict face widespread looting and chaos en route to Aden.

    Source: France 24

  • The capture of the strategic port city marks a pivotal shift in the Yemeni conflict, placing one of the world's most critical trade chokepoints under the control of Iran-backed forces.

    Source: Al Jazeera English
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera English, BBC World and France 24, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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