Houthi rebels seize Yemen's Red Sea port of Mokha, threatening global shipping

Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized Yemen's strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha on Thursday, a move that threatens global shipping and gives Iran new leverage in its war with the U.S. The port sits about 50 miles from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital waterway for roughly 12% of global goods, and its capture marks the Houthis' biggest territorial gain since a 2022 truce. Analysts warn the rebels could lay mines to disrupt Red Sea traffic, which has already fallen 60% since attacks began in late 2023. The U.N. envoy called the escalation a "new and more dangerous phase," urging international action, while Saudi Arabia vowed to deter further attacks. Residents reported Houthi forces throughout the city, with hospitals seized and many fleeing south toward Aden.