The renewed campaign in Yemen has reached a particularly sensitive strategic point: Houthi rebels have seized the Red Sea coastal city of Al-Mokha, three Yemeni government sources told Reuters on Thursday morning.

If their control of the city is consolidated, it could significantly expand the Houthis' ability to operate near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which they have threatened to close completely.

AFP also reported that the city had fallen to the Houthis. Eyewitnesses told the news agency that they saw rebel forces entering Al-Mokha while chanting, "Death to America, death to Israel."

Al-Mokha's significance extends beyond the battle for control of Yemen itself. The city is located near Bab el-Mandeb and approximately 80 kilometers from Perim Island, which lies at the narrowest point of the strait and is considered a key strategic point for controlling the maritime passage.

Opponents of the Houthis have recently warned that if the group were also to seize Perim Island, it would gain new options for disrupting shipping even without the use of long-range weapons. According to them, the Houthis could mine the strait, potentially requiring a large international naval force to break any control they establish over the area.

Bab el-Mandeb is a major shipping route connecting Asia and Europe through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Its importance has increased further since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of its war with the United States in late February, a move that sent oil prices soaring.

If the Houthis gain control of Bab el-Mandeb, it could strengthen Iran's bargaining position with US President Donald Trump.