Yemeni Government Forces Claim to Have Regained Control of Mocha

Yemeni government forces, backed by the Saudi-led coalition, have announced that they have regained control of the strategic port city of Mocha and positions near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera reported this.

However, the Houthis deny losing control of Mocha and claim their units remain in the city’s streets.

Yemeni Government Forces and Saudi-led Coalition Counteroffensive

The large-scale operation was carried out as part of a counteroffensive that the army of Yemen’s internationally recognized government is launching toward the country’s capital, Sanaa, which has been held by the group since 2014.

The Saudi-led coalition deployed around 100 fighter jets to provide air cover and strike militant targets.

The government forces’ advance began following a September offensive by the Houthis, during which they captured Mocha and the nearby islands.

At the time, the port seizure was possible due to the extensive use of drones and support from Iranian specialists who provided the group with intelligence.

Port City of Mocha

Mocha is crucial for logistics and control of the region, as regaining control of the city allowed government forces to block key Houthi supply routes in the area of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

The loss of the port posed a threat to civilian and military vessels in the Red Sea, as the situation around this major shipping route puts direct pressure on global oil prices.

Chinese Components for Yemeni Missiles

Earlier, the Yemeni Houthis have also established the production of missiles and drones using equipment and components of Chinese origin that enter the country as dual-use goods.

During a detailed inspection in July, authorities found phenolic resin in one of the containers — a heat-resistant material that can be used in missile production — as well as tail fins and other components resembling those used in ballistic missiles.

Later, authorities inspected three more containers linked to the same supply network at the port of Aden. They contained suspected missile airframe components, guidance systems, launch equipment, computer numerical control (CNC) machines, and two-cylinder engines suitable for use in drones.