Houthi forces capture strategic Yemeni port of Mocha

Houthi forces took control of the Yemeni port city of Mocha on Thursday after several days of fighting. The city sits on the Red Sea coast, about 80 kilometres from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Around 12 percent of world trade passes through this strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Before capturing Mocha, the Houthis took a nearby military base and the al-Wazi'iyah district. The port gives them a direct view over one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The capture has also cut three key supply roads for the Yemeni government.

Oil prices rose above $105 per barrel after the news. Houthi forces have also moved towards the Hanish Islands, which lie further along the coast.