Yemen's Houthis reportedly seize strategic Red Sea port of Mokha

Yemen's Houthi movement has seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha from Saudi-backed pro-government forces, military sources say. The capture of Mokha would bring the Iran-backed group closer to controlling the Bab al-Mandab strait, a key shipping route about 75km to the south that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed and thousands displaced since the Houthis launched an offensive in the south-western coastal region a week ago. The Houthis' conflict with neighbouring Saudi Arabia has escalated, contributing to a surge in global oil prices. On Tuesday, the Houthis launched dozens of drones and missiles at southern Saudi Arabia, injuring 73 civilians and causing fires at several oil facilities that led to a temporary halt in operations. The Houthis said they were retaliating for dozens of Saudi air strikes on their territory in north-western Yemen in recent days, including one on a prison in the town of Hazm in Jawf province that killed at least 23 civilians. A four-year-old informal ceasefire began to unravel in July, when the Houthis announced a 'maritime embargo' against Saudi Arabia and began missile and drone attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities and tankers in the Red Sea. The Red Sea has become crucial for Saudi Arabia's oil exports since the start of the US and Israel's war with Iran, which has led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf. Oil prices hit $100 a barrel for the first time since July after US and Houthi strikes. Saudi Arabia vows to respond after Houthis attack cities and energy facilities. The Houthis reported killing six people in their first deadly attack since the start of Iran war. Houthi attacks raise fears of a wider Middle East conflict and more global economic damage.