Yemen Government Forces Begin Bombing Houthi-Held Area Near Mocha

Yemen’s internationally recognized government forces said Friday they have begun bombing a designated military zone near the strategic Red Sea port city of Mocha, which was seized by Houthi forces a day earlier.

The new strikes were announced at approximately 18:30 GMT on September 11, marking a fresh escalation in fighting around one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

Strikes Target Area Between Mocha and Bab al-Mandeb

A Yemeni government military spokesman said attacks were under way in an area described as a military “kill box” covering territory captured by the Houthis between Mocha and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Government forces had previously warned civilians to stay away from the designated zone.

The fighting follows the Houthis’ rapid advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including their takeover of Mocha and territory extending toward Bab al-Mandeb.

Bab al-Mandeb Shipping Route in Focus

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a critical route for international shipping between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

The Houthis’ territorial gains have therefore raised new concerns over commercial vessels and Saudi maritime traffic passing through the region.

Houthi military officials have said international commercial shipping can continue but have threatened restrictions on Saudi-linked vessels.

Fighting Could Escalate Around Mocha

No immediate casualty figures from the latest bombing were available.

The situation remains fluid as Yemeni government forces attempt to halt further Houthi advances around Mocha and the Bab al-Mandeb corridor.