The Iran-backed Houthi movement has reportedly captured the Red Sea port city of Al-Makha, Yemen, and is advancing towards the strategically vital Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key global maritime route. This development intensifies the ongoing conflict in Yemen, with the Houthis consolidating their control over the country’s Red Sea coastline.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, three unnamed Yemeni government sources informed Reuters that the Houthi rebels have taken control of Al-Makha. The sources indicated that the group is nearing complete control of other coastal cities situated along the strait, signaling a significant push to dominate the entire Yemeni Red Sea coast.
The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which lies between Yemen and Djibouti, is a chokepoint for oil shipments and international trade, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. Its strategic importance makes any shift in control a matter of significant international concern.
This latest advance follows a week of escalated fighting across Yemen. The conflict has previously spilled over the border into Saudi Arabia, where the Houthis have launched attacks targeting oil installations and causing casualties. The Houthi movement, widely understood to be supported by Iran, has been engaged in a protracted civil war against the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which is backed by a Saudi-led coalition.
While the Yemeni government sources provided this information, there has been no official confirmation from the government itself regarding the capture of Al-Makha or the extent of the Houthi advance towards the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The ongoing civil war has created a complex information environment, with conflicting reports often emerging from various factions and sources within the war-torn country.
The Houthi control of Al-Makha and their proximity to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait raise concerns about potential disruptions to maritime traffic and the broader implications for regional security. The international community has consistently called for a peaceful resolution to the Yemeni conflict, which has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
The Yemeni government’s ability to assert control over its coastal areas has been a critical aspect of the ongoing conflict. The reported Houthi gains in this region could significantly alter the military and political landscape of Yemen, potentially impacting ongoing peace efforts and the humanitarian situation for millions of Yemeni citizens.
The Chenab Times News Desk