Published September 10th, 2026 - 08:06 GMT
ALBAWABA - Several Yemeni government sources confirmed to Reuters on Thursday that Ansar Allah, known as Houthis, took control of the port city of Mokha.Yemeni sources also revealed that government forces had withdrawn from the Hays and Al-Khokha districts in southern Al-Hudaydah Governorate, as well as from the city of Mokha in western Taiz Governorate, following advances by the Houthi group in those areas.The sources added that government forces are retreating toward the Dhubab district, which is located near the Bab al-Mandab strait, to reposition and reinforce their deployment in the region.Additionally, a mass deportation of residents from Mokha port city toward the city of Aden was reported amidst escalating developments on the ground along the West Coast.On the other hand, Yemen's Houthi rebels said Saudi Arabia launched about 40 airstrikes on Thursday following attacks by the Iran-backed group against the kingdom.A fighter firing a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), as Yemeni government forces and National Resistance Forces fire at Houthi fighters on the Kadha front, west of the city of Taiz in Yemen's western Taiz province. Photo by - / YEMEN NATIONAL RESISTANCE FORCES / AFPEscalation in Yemen:Yemen is witnessing fierce clashes between the Houthi group and the internationally recognized Yemeni government forces.Houthis are backed by Iran, while the Yemeni government is backed by Saudi Arabia. Fighting has expanded in the past few days to four areas: west and south Taiz, Mareb, Al-Jawf and southern Hodeida.Over 190 people have been killed in exchanged attacks between Houthis and the Yemeni government, which started when Ansar Allah launched a ground offensive in coastal areas, using missiles and drones.Earlier, Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of striking Sanaa Airport in July 2026 to ban the landing of an Iranian plane. An attack which the Yemeni government claimed to carry out. In response, Houthis launched attacks on Saudi Arabia, announced a maritime blockade, and resumed strikes on oil tankers belonging to Riyadh.According to the Yemeni government, one of the main objectives of the offensive is to isolate the government-held port city of Mokha, so Houthis would advance towards areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.The internationally recognized government believes that the Houthis' pursuit of the strait is linked to a regional agenda aimed at influencing shipping traffic and controlling one of the most important maritime routes.
