Houthis escalate: combined attack near Bab el-Mandeb - including explosive boats

The Houthis attacked the port of Mokha in Yemen with 44 drones, ballistic missiles, and explosive boats. According to Yemeni military sources, 15 drones were shot down and three explosive boat attacks were thwarted, as well as an attempt to hit an oil tanker near Bab el-Mandeb. Eight militants were killed in the clashes.

The Houthis launched a broad wave of attacks today (Friday) on the port of Mokha and the western coast of Yemen, using 44 drones, ballistic missiles, and explosive boats. According to a Yemeni military source quoted by Al-Arabiya, defense systems shot down 15 of the drones and thwarted three of six explosive boat attacks. In addition, an attempt to hit an oil tanker near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait was foiled. Eight Houthi fighters were killed during the clashes. The report notes that dozens of drone strikes were carried out against Houthi positions on the western coast, alongside artillery fire. The port of Mokha was already attacked a few days ago in a large-scale assault, resulting in casualties and damage to civilian facilities. Mokha holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key international shipping route. The escalation comes amid intensified fighting in Yemen and concerns of a renewed civil war.