Yemen Conflict Widens as Houthi Attack on Mocha Port Kills 7, Injures Dozens

The attack targeted Mocha Port and surrounding residential areas in Taiz province, according to a medical source cited by Yemeni state media.

The Houthis launched around 20 drone attacks on the port, which is controlled by forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognized government. The strikes damaged civilian facilities and caused extensive damage to the port’s infrastructure.

Government media also reported that air defenses intercepted Houthi drones over Mocha amid growing clashes between the two sides.

The Houthis’ military spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the strikes targeted military gatherings and weapons depots in Mocha using ballistic missiles and drones.

Fighting spreads across Yemen

Yemeni affairs editor Ahmed Al-Shalafi said the head of Mocha Port confirmed that the facility and civilian areas inside it had been targeted, causing widespread infrastructure damage.

He said the attack was part of a series of reciprocal strikes after government forces announced attacks the previous day against Houthi positions, fronts and military vehicles.

Government forces in Al-Dhale also reported drone strikes against Houthi positions and gatherings, claiming casualties among the group. A Houthi military source denied any escalation or clashes on that front.

In Marib, Presidential Leadership Council member Sultan Al-Arada called for increased readiness after the province was targeted with ballistic missiles and drones by the Houthis.

Expanding battlefield

Al-Shalafi said recent developments indicate an expansion of the conflict’s geographical scope, with attacks reported in western Yemen, including Hodeidah and Mocha, as well as Al-Dhale in central Yemen, Marib and Al-Jawf.

He said Al-Dhale has recently seen more intense ground clashes, while fighting in Mocha, Marib and Al-Jawf has mainly involved exchanges of missile and drone attacks.

Al-Shalafi said current indicators point toward further escalation, with no clear signs of mediation or de-escalation. He added that the existing rules of engagement appear to be shifting away from the “no war, no peace” situation that has prevailed since 2022.

He said the Houthis appear to be pursuing an “escalation for escalation” strategy to seek economic, humanitarian and oil-related gains, warning that continued tensions could lead to broader ground fighting.