Houthis Seize Key Yemeni Port, Deepening Threat to Global Energy Flows

Iran-backed Houthi forces seized the strategic Yemeni port of Mokha, located just 50 miles from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, strengthening Houthi ability to threaten energy shipments in the Red Sea at a time of reduced shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis’ control of Mokha gives them “a direct presence on the approaches to one of the world’s most vital straits,” raising serious concerns ​about freedom of navigation, said U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg told a U.N. Security Council meeting on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Houthi threats to shipments from Saudi Arabia’s west coast have already pushed Saudi oil production to its lowest level this year. Saudi Arabia produced just 6.2 million barrels per day in August, its lowest monthly level of 2026 and 23% below July, according to OPEC data reported by the Financial Times. In addition, its crude exports fell to about 3.1million barrels per day in August, down from 5.1 million barrels per day in July, its lowest level since at least 2013, according to Kpler.

The capture of Mokha adds to a broader escalation targeting both Saudi energy infrastructure and the shipping routes that carry its oil. Earlier this week, the Houthis launched a large missile-and-drone attack on southern Saudi Arabia, striking energy infrastructure including facilities operated by Saudi Aramco, the state oil giant that produces about 10 million barrels a day, which amounts to roughly 10% of the world’s total oil demand. The attacks hit the southern Saudi Arabian cities of Jazan, Najran, Abha and Khamis Mushait, wounding 73 people and sparking fires at energy facilities and utilities that forced some operations to stop, according to Saudi officials.

With continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the escalated attacks on Saudi oil production and shipping near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait deal a significant blow to global energy security.