Pro-Iranian Houthi rebels from Yemen launched an attack that threatens maritime traffic through the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, one of the world's busiest passages. On Thursday, the Houthis captured the port city of Mocha, located 70 km north of Bab el-Mandeb, establishing a strategic position in the region.
Saudi Arabia, an ally of the Yemeni government, responded with dozens of airstrikes carried out with F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets to halt the rebels' advance. Saudi Civil Defense issued emergency alerts in the cities of Abha and Khamis Mushait, although they were suspended shortly after.
The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is crucial for Saudi Arabia since Iran's blockade of the Strait of Ormuz. This route connecting Asia to Europe via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal gained even more importance after Iran's closure of Ormuz, serving as an alternative passage for the transport of oil and goods.
