More than 120 people have been killed in Yemen's deadliest clashes in years as Iran-backed Houthis launched a major offensive to seize control of the gateway to the Red Sea.
Fighting erupted on Thursday near coastal areas, with ground assault, rockets and drones vying for control of the narrow Bab el-Mandeb strait at the Red Sea's southern entrance. At least 129 people are dead - 66 government troops, at least 62 Houthi fighters, and one civilian, according to a tally compiled from several sources.
Yemen, embroiled in over a decade of civil conflict, became the latest theatre of the West Asia war after the Houthis ripped up a 2022 truce with the Saudi-backed government. Since then, they have imposed a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia and repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea - a vital alternative route for oil exports after Iran's blockading of the Strait of Hormuz. Their attacks on passing vessels since the Gaza war began in 2023 have disrupted one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
The new offensive aims to cut off the government-held port city of Mokha, under fire for weeks, and advance towards areas bordering Bab el-Mandeb. Military sources said rebels have seized elevated sites overlooking government positions near the Red Sea and the city of Taiz inland.
Although Houthis do not control areas bordering Bab el-Mandeb, they hold the key port city of Hodeida north of Mokha. If they capture Mokha, they could tighten their grip over the Red Sea and threaten shipping further. The toll rose from 81 to 129 on Friday, with a Yemeni military official confirming 66 soldiers killed. As flames rose over Mokha port, the fight signals a dangerous escalation that could choke global trade