Iran-linked Houthi fighters have taken control of Yemen’s Mocha port on the Red Sea, adding to threats facing global energy supplies, Reuters reported, citing military sources.
According to the agency, four military sources in Yemen’s government said the Houthis had gained extra leverage over the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important shipping lanes. The same sources said attacks were also being carried out against the strategic Hanish islands.
Reuters noted that the Houthis entered the ongoing war on Iran’s side when they attacked Israel on March 28. The group, however, remained largely quiet until July, when it declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, and then stepped up attacks on the kingdom in September.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, has become more reliant on the Red Sea route during the US and Israeli war against Iran after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively shut. Before the war, about 20% of the oil consumed globally was transported through Hormuz.
Reuters also reported that Riyadh had warned Iran via Pakistan to restrain its Houthi allies. But, according to a senior Iranian official cited by the agency, Tehran replied that it does not control the Houthis.
With oil supply routes through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea severely disrupted, Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel on the previous day. The move suggests the military escalation is already feeding through into the global energy market.
