SANAA – Saudi Arabia has carried out two airstrikes on the airport in Yemen’s coastal city of Mokha, the international media reported, citing Houthi claims.
Houthi-affiliated media reported that Saudi aircraft targeted Mokha Airport. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strikes.
The Houthis captured Mokha after launching a major offensive last week against Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces, intensifying fighting along the Red Sea coast.
Meanwhile, Yemeni government sources said Houthi fighters had reached the town of Dhabab, located near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and opposite Perim Island.
Control of Dhabab and Perim Island is considered strategically important for exerting influence over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key global shipping route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The waterway carries significant volumes of trade between Asia and Europe.
The Houthi capture of Mokha and their advance towards Bab el-Mandeb come as key maritime routes in the region are already facing heightened risks amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.
Twenty-six commercial vessels passed through the Bab el-Mandeb on Thursday, according to available shipping data, a figure close to the recent average.
However, the Houthi advance has raised concerns about future maritime traffic and global trade.
It may be mentioned here that any potential disruption or control of the Bab el-Mandeb could affect shipping through the Red Sea and put further pressure on global trade, energy supplies and regional security.
