Yemeni government forces have retaken the strategic port city of Mokha from the Houthis after clashes south of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, marking a significant advance in an escalating offensive against the Iran-aligned group.
The internationally recognised government confirmed that its forces had recaptured Mokha following fighting in the area south of the Bab al-Mandeb, while the Saudi-led coalition said its naval forces had carried out a military operation in Yemen’s Hodeidah governorate.
The coalition said weapons depots, explosive-boat warehouses and sea mines were destroyed. Houthi-affiliated media reported air strikes on Kamaran Island and the al-Salif district in Hodeidah.
The Houthis’ military spokesperson said the group had targeted King Khalid Airport in Riyadh and an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, as well as Abha Airport, Khamis Mushait Airbase and sites in Saudi Arabia’s Najran and Jazan provinces.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned Houthi attacks on civilian areas, economic facilities and religious sites and reiterated its full political and military support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
The United Nations has warned of a sharp escalation in fighting. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned continued Houthi cross-border attacks against Saudi Arabia as the conflict intensified.
Saudi, Turkiye and Pakistan activate defence pact
Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan agreed to activate collective deterrence measures under their Mecca defence pact in response to attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Following an emergency meeting in Riyadh, the three countries’ Strategic Political and Defence Committee agreed to take measures to provide agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia.
The countries also condemned attempted attacks on Mecca and Medina and said the security of each member was an integral part of their collective security.
The agreement marks the practical implementation of collective defence commitments under a pact signed by the three countries in August, which pledged defence if one member came under attack.
An analyst described the activation as a potential turning point in regional security, saying Houthi attacks had accelerated the development of the alliance.
Iran says US failed to achieve military goals
Iranian chief negotiator Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf said the United States had failed to achieve any of its military goals in Iran and accused Washington of violating political agreements.
Ghalibaf made the comments while meeting Armenia’s foreign minister, who said Armenia would not allow its territory to be used against Iran.
Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei separately said US missteps had compounded what he described as an American defeat in the region, warning that further mistakes could produce new fronts and bigger surprises.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said he remained open to direct talks with Iran, while a senior US official said Trump would not be “played” by Tehran.
Tanker hit reported in Strait of Hormuz
The regional tensions also continued to affect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
UK Maritime Trade Operations said it received a report that a tanker had been struck by an unknown projectile, causing a fire in its engine room.
The crew was fighting the fire and there were no reported casualties or environmental impact at the time of the warning. UKMTO said at least two other vessels had also been hit by unknown projectiles earlier in the day.
The United States said it had redirected 130 commercial vessels during enforcement of its naval blockade against Iran and had disabled three ships that refused to comply, according to US Central Command.
Pakistan takes on wider diplomatic role
The Yemen escalation comes as Pakistan also plays a diplomatic role in efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to visit Islamabad to discuss Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran.
The United Nations said the visit would provide an opportunity to discuss Islamabad’s role in supporting negotiations between the two countries.
