Omanghana
A rapid offensive by Iran-backed Houthi forces along Yemen’s western coast has displaced tens of thousands of people and raised fresh concerns about security around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime trade and energy routes.
During a series of swift advances, Houthi fighters reportedly captured the districts of Hays and Al-Khawkhah before taking control of the strategic port city of Mocha and advancing southwards towards Dhubab.
The group also reportedly seized Mayyun, also known as Perim Island, which is located at the narrowest section of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Additional advances included Zuqar Island and the Hanish archipelago.
Control of these locations would give the Houthis strategic positions along Yemen’s mainland coast and on islands overlooking the shipping channels linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
The development has heightened concerns about commercial vessels passing through the area and the potential consequences for international trade and regional energy exports. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a crucial route for ships travelling between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal.
The escalating fighting has also created a major humanitarian crisis. Figures attributed to the International Organization for Migration and other United Nations agencies indicate that more than 76,000 people have been displaced across Yemen as the conflict spreads southwards towards government-held Aden.
Thousands of residents have reportedly fled their homes and livelihoods along the western coast, with some travelling towards Aden and emergency transit centers in search of safety.
The offensive has also prompted people to cross the Gulf of Aden into the Horn of Africa. Between 1,400 and 2,000 Yemeni refugees reportedly arrived in neighboring Djibouti within 24 hours as panic spread through coastal communities.
Displaced families have described chaotic conditions, sudden evacuations and shortages of essential supplies. Humanitarian agencies are facing growing pressure to provide shelter, food, water and medical care to those affected.
The renewed fighting threatens to reverse the relative calm maintained since the 2022 ceasefire and deepen Yemen’s prolonged humanitarian emergency. It has also increased fears that control of the strategic coastline could further destabilize Red Sea shipping and intensify the country’s wider conflict.
Source: Omanghana
