Saudi Airstrikes Hit Yemen’s Mokha, Killing 6 Including 2 Children and Woman

Saudi-led coalition airstrikes on Yemen’s strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha killed at least six civilians, including two children and a woman, and wounded eight others, according to the Houthi-affiliated Saba news agency on Tuesday. The reported casualties come amid a sharp escalation in fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.

Saba said the strikes also injured a child and a woman. The casualty figures have been reported by Houthi-affiliated media, and independent verification was not immediately available. Yemen Government Condemns Houthi Strikes on Saudi Arabia, Supports Measures by Riyadh to Deter Rebels.

Saudi Airstrikes Hit Mokha Amid Escalating Yemen Conflict

Mokha, also known as Mocha, has become a key flashpoint after Houthi forces seized the Red Sea port earlier this month during a major offensive against government-aligned forces. The Houthis, who control large parts of northwestern Yemen, have made significant gains along the country's western coast. Their advance has brought them closer to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a major maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Saudi Arabia backs Yemen's internationally recognised government, while the Houthis are supported by Iran. The latest fighting marks a major escalation after a period of relative calm following the 2022 truce.

Houthi Forces Advance Along Yemen’s Red Sea Coast

The capture of Mokha has increased the strategic importance of the latest fighting. The port is located roughly 75 kilometres from the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, through which a substantial share of global trade and energy shipments passes.

Reuters reported that Houthi forces have also been pushing into areas of Taiz and Lahij as they seek to consolidate their gains and isolate Saudi-backed territory from the Red Sea coast. The renewed fighting has reportedly killed hundreds of people and displaced more than 130,000. Houthi Spokesperson Claims Saudi Forces Carried out 28 Air Raids in Yemen .

Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Add to Regional Tensions

The escalation is not limited to Yemen. The Houthis have claimed responsibility in recent days for drone and ballistic missile attacks targeting Riyadh and Saudi energy infrastructure, while Saudi Arabia has continued military operations against Houthi positions. The latest confrontation comes against the backdrop of wider regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and other Middle Eastern countries.

The United Nations had warned earlier this month that Yemen faced its greatest risk of returning to large-scale conflict since the 2022 truce. UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg said fighting had intensified across several front lines, particularly along the strategic western coast. Further developments are expected as Saudi-backed forces seek to respond to the Houthi advance and fighting continues around key positions in western Yemen.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2026 07:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).