Story perspectives

Iran-backed Houthis seize Yemen’s Mokha, Perim near Bab el-Mandeb

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 2:12 PM UTC · How we work

Left

Houthi Rebels Seize Mokha

Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized Yemen’s Red Sea port of Mokha and Mayun (Perim) island near Bab el-Mandeb on Thursday and Friday.
The offensive forced massive civilian displacement, with UN officials reporting over 46,000 fleeing Mokha and raising famine fears for 40 million Yemenis.
Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Mokha airport in response to the Houthi takeover.
A senior Yemeni government officer said coordination with allies gave the Houthis a priceless opportunity.

Right

Houthi Capture Mokha

Iran-backed Houthi rebels captured Yemen’s Red Sea port Mokha and island Perim near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Thursday and Friday.
The advance jeopardizes President Donald Trump’s attempt to keep gasoline prices low and could hurt his re-election prospects.
Tim Lenderking urged U.S. intelligence sharing with Saudi Arabia for its air campaign against Houthis.
David Schenker warned Iran’s control of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb would give it unprecedented energy leverage.

Center

Houthi Disrupts Oil

Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized Yemen’s port of Mokha and the strategic Mayun (Perim) island near Bab el-Mandeb on Thursday and Friday.
Saudi Arabia responded by shutting the East-West pipeline and seeing crude exports drop to the lowest level in three decades.
Bab el-Mandeb traffic stayed near its ten-day average as Saudi tankers rerouted oil via the Suez Canal.
Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel, reflecting added pressure from the Bab el-Mandeb threat.

Blindspot

UN migration officials said more than 46,000 people fled Mokha after the Houthi capture, creating a large-scale displacement crisis.
Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Mokha airport in response to the Houthi takeover, according to Yemeni government officials.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

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Houthi Rebels Seize Mokha

Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized Yemen’s Red Sea port of Mokha and Mayun (Perim) island near Bab el-Mandeb on Thursday and Friday.
The offensive forced massive civilian displacement, with UN officials reporting over 46,000 fleeing Mokha and raising famine fears for 40 million Yemenis.
Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes on Mokha airport in response to the Houthi takeover.
A senior Yemeni government officer said coordination with allies gave the Houthis a priceless opportunity.

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