The Iranian-backed Houthi terror group took control of Mocha, a Yemeni port city on the Red Sea and less than 50 miles from the Bab al-Mandab Strait, three anti-Houthi Yemeni government officials told Reuters on Thursday.
Arab media outlets first reported that Yemeni government forces had withdrawn from the city on Thursday morning as the Houthis advanced, and online social media posts displayed photos and videos of Houthi fighters within the city.
The capture of Mocha represents a significant achievement for the Houthis, enabling them to deepen their control over the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.
Anti-Houthi forces claim contingent sent to reinforce Mocha, reported clashes with Houthi navy
However, the National Resistance Front, a coalition of anti-Houthi forces led by former Houthi ally and senior member of the Yemeni government, Tareq Saleh, said that a force commander led a military contingent into Mocha on Thursday morning.
"Force reorganization and consolidation [of Mocha's defenses] are underway in coordination with the anti-Houthi coalition," NRF's official media outlet reported.
The NRF forces clashed with Houthi naval forces, the outlet added.