Houthi Rebels Seize Yemen’s Red Sea Coast, Including Key Port City
Houthi rebels rapidly seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast, including the key port city of Mokha, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers reportedly directing the offensive on the ground, signifying Iran's most direct intervention in the conflict.
Anchorage, AK, September 23, 2026 —
Houthi rebels have rapidly taken control of significant portions of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, a development that includes the capture of the strategically important port city of Mokha. This rapid advance marks a critical expansion of Houthi territorial control along a vital maritime route.
Reports indicate that advisers from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were present on the ground, reportedly directing the offensive operations. This alleged involvement suggests a heightened level of direct support from Iran in the ongoing conflict within Yemen, potentially representing the most direct intervention by the Iranian forces to date.
The swift seizure of Mokha and surrounding coastal areas underscores the evolving dynamics of the Yemeni conflict. The port city of Mokha has historically held significance for trade and strategic positioning along the Red Sea, a key waterway for global shipping. The Houthi movement’s control over this area could have implications for regional maritime security and the broader geopolitical landscape.
The precise timeline and specific details of the offensive were not elaborated upon, but the speed of the Houthi advance has been highlighted. The involvement of Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers, if confirmed and detailed, would represent a notable escalation in foreign participation in Yemen’s internal strife. The full extent of Iran’s reported role in directing the offensive remains a key point of observation for international analysts tracking the conflict.
The capture of Yemen’s Red Sea coast by Houthi rebels, allegedly with direct guidance from Iranian military personnel, positions the Houthi movement to potentially exert greater influence over maritime traffic and regional power balances. Further details regarding the operational command and the specific nature of the Iranian support are anticipated as the situation develops.
Story summarized from the original created by Samy Magdy, Associated Press on www.adn.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
