Houthis Seize Mocha, Tightening Grip on Bab el-Mandeb

The Houthis, a powerful armed group in Yemen, captured the port city of Mocha.

Mocha is near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important waterway for ships and energy supplies.

Some Yemeni and regional sources say Iran helped plan and guide the Houthi attack.

Iran says the Houthis are allies but denies controlling their military decisions.

One Iranian official said the move was made by the Houthis, although it still helped Iran put pressure on its opponents.

Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s government with weapons, supplies and information.

Saudi Arabia has carried out only limited airstrikes in the northern parts of Yemen.

It is not clear whether government forces can retake Mocha or push the Houthis back.

The fighting is part of a wider conflict involving Iran, the United States, Saudi Arabia and their regional partners.