Iran-backed Houthi forces seized the Red Sea port city of Mocha (Mokha) on Thursday, Sep. 10, according to Al Jazeera, the Guardian, AFP via France24, and a Reuters-bylined report carried by the Globe and Mail. Maj Gen Tareq Saleh of the Saudi-backed National Resistance ordered a strategic retreat and moved his command south toward Dhubab to regroup, AFP and the Guardian reported.
Control of the Mocha coast strengthens Houthi leverage over approaches to the Bab el-Mandeb shipping chokepoint. Wires describe an advance and maritime coercion risk, not a declared closure of the strait. Island claims remain contested: AFP cited a military source saying Zuqar was seized, while Reuters-cited government sources described attacks on the Hanish islands and relocation toward Dhubab.
The Mocha break is a separate theater from Hormuz tanker pressure in the Gulf. Oil price moves after the breach are covered separately.
Sources:Al Jazeera; The Guardian; AFP via France24; Reuters via Globe and Mail, Sep. 10, 2026.
