Houthi Capture of Mokha Expands Access to Bab el-Mandeb
Tensions around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait rose sharply on September 10, 2026, after Yemen’s Houthi rebels seized the Red Sea port city of Mokha. According to Yemeni government officials cited by Reuters, Houthi forces took control of the city and its port before advancing south along the coast.
Mokha lies about 80 kilometers from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. While the city does not give the Houthis direct control of the strait, securing its port and nearby coastal positions could expand their ability to monitor shipping and launch maritime attacks, creating a new risk for international trade.
The Military and Logistical Significance of Mokha Port
Mokha is a historic port on Yemen’s western coast, near the maritime approach linking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with the southern Red Sea. Control of the city would give the Houthi rebels more room to deploy troops and equipment along Yemen’s western coastline.
However, capturing Mokha does not in itself amount to full control of the strait. The Houthis’ actual influence will depend on whether they can establish air-defense and coastal surveillance systems around the port, maintain supply routes, and seize additional nearby islands and coastal areas.
Push Toward Perim Island Raises Fears Over Control of the Strait
The Associated Press reported on September 11 that the Houthi rebels had seized a strategically located island at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Foreign media reports citing Reuters identified the island as Perim Island, also known as Mayyun Island, while Yemeni government officials said that Houthi forces had moved onto Perim.
Perim Island sits in the middle of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, giving whoever controls it a strong position from which to monitor shipping between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. If coastal radar, anti-ship missiles, drones or mine-laying capabilities were deployed there, commercial vessels could face direct pressure over route choices and transit costs.
Potential Impact on Global Shipping and Energy Markets
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a vital maritime gateway linking the Suez Canal with the Indian Ocean. The Associated Press has said that roughly 12% of global merchandise trade normally passes through the strait. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says that a blockade would force tankers to reroute around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit times and costs.
The number of vessels passing through the Red Sea has already fallen sharply following Houthi attacks on shipping. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has warned that disruption around the Red Sea and the Suez Canal could drive up shipping times, insurance premiums and fuel costs across global supply chains.
If the crisis drags on, shipping companies may increasingly opt to avoid the danger zone and take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. That could affect not only the schedules of container ships and energy carriers traveling between Asia and Europe, but also global oil prices and marine insurance premiums.
Growing Regional Security Risks
The Houthi rebels’ advance into Mokha and areas near the strait shows how the front line of Yemen’s civil war is moving toward an international maritime trade route. Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government may intensify airstrikes and redeploy forces to prevent the loss of coastal positions.
The international community still faces the challenge of protecting commercial shipping and freedom of navigation while preventing the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war. Military deployments around Perim Island and Mokha, the possible resumption of civilian port operations, and any attacks on commercial vessels will be key factors shaping what happens next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did the Houthi rebels seize Mokha?
According to Yemeni government officials cited by Reuters, the Houthi rebels seized Mokha city and its port on September 10, 2026.
Is Mokha inside the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?
Mokha is a port city on Yemen’s western coast, not inside the strait. Located about 80 kilometers away, it is considered a potential forward base for controlling approaches to the strait and conducting operations along the nearby coast.
Why is Perim Island important?
Perim Island lies in the center of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, giving its holder an advantageous position for monitoring vessels traveling between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as activity around the strait.
Have the Houthi rebels taken control of the entire strait?
Seizing Mokha and positions near the strait would significantly increase the Houthis’ influence. But determining whether they have full control of the strait would require further confirmation that they can maintain control over surrounding coasts, islands and shipping lanes.
What impact is expected on international shipping?
If concerns about attacks on ships or a blockade grow, shipping companies may choose to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. That could increase transit times, fuel costs and insurance premiums, placing additional strain on supply chains between Asia and Europe.
