Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Yemen Warns Houthis Seek Foothold Near Bab el-Mandeb
Yemen says the Houthi movement is trying to move closer to an important sea passage.
This passage is called the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The government says the Houthis have been expanding along Yemen’s western coast.
It also says they are trying to control islands in the Red Sea.
Yemeni officials say Mokha and its port have been attacked repeatedly.
They believe the Houthis want to use the area to threaten ships.
The Houthis already control important ports farther north, including Hodeidah.
However, officials say they do not yet control land directly beside the strait.
Yemen’s government says the Iran-backed Houthis are seeking a foothold near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani accused the Houthis of expanding along the western coast and targeting strategic Red Sea islands.
Yemeni officials say Houthi attacks have focused heavily on the port city of Mokha and its port.
Major-General Sadeq Duwaid said the Houthis aim to establish a presence along the strait’s shores.
The Houthis control major northern ports, including Hodeidah, but reportedly lack positions directly on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Who
- Yemen’s government and military officials, including Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani and Major-General Sadeq Duwaid, warned about Houthi activity.
- What
- The government says the Houthis are trying to establish a foothold near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait by expanding along the coast and attacking Mokha.
- When
- The warning was issued on Wednesday.
- Where
- Along Yemen’s western Red Sea coast, especially around Mokha and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Why
- Yemen’s government says a foothold there could allow the Houthis to threaten the strategic shipping route.
- Main concern
- Yemen says the Houthis are seeking control or a foothold near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
- Strategic location
- The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is described as a vital shipping artery.
- Reported target
- Yemeni officials say Houthi attacks have focused heavily on Mokha and its port.
- Alleged expansion
- Moammar al-Eryani said the Houthis are expanding along the western coast and targeting strategic Red Sea islands.
- Existing Houthi control
- The Houthis control major northern ports, including Hodeidah.
- Current limitation
- Officials say the Houthis do not have a foothold near coastal territories or ports directly on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.