Houthi Militia Fires Two Ballistic Missiles at Bab al-Mandab Strait

Houthi militia units escalated attacks along Yemen’s western coast, launching two ballistic missiles toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea on Monday. The strikes came one day after the group fired two similar missiles at Al-Mokha city and its port.

Missile Launch Locations and Impact Details

Military sources within the National Resistance Forces told “Iram News” that the Houthi militia fired two ballistic missiles toward the Bab al-Mandab area. According to those sources, one of the two missiles launched at Al-Mokha the previous day landed in a street inside the city, causing no casualties.

The Media Center of the Taiz Axis reported that armed forces reconnaissance teams observed the Houthi militia launch two ballistic missiles toward Al-Mokha city and the Red Sea from areas under their control in the Al-Hawban suburb. These launch sites include the former headquarters of the 170th Air Defense Brigade, located on Mount Uman east of Al-Mokha city.

Scale and Economic Impact of Al-Mokha Attacks

This latest escalation along the western coast follows a series of recent missile attacks targeting Al-Mokha city and port — among the most intense waves of such activity in the region in years.

According to port management, Al-Mokha port sustained more than 25 missile strikes over several days. The attacks forced the suspension of all commercial and maritime operations, rendering the port nonoperational. Port authorities estimated damage-related losses at approximately $16 million.

The assaults also disrupted operations for dozens of maritime agencies and customs clearance firms linked to the port. Concerns are growing over potential economic and humanitarian consequences for Al-Mokha and other areas along Yemen’s western coast.

Military Response and Casualty Reports

In recent days, Houthi forces have targeted locations and facilities in and around Al-Mokha, using both ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Government forces stated that their air defenses intercepted and shot down 11 drones during one such attack.

A separate attack on 9 August resulted in seven fatalities and 30 injuries, including both military personnel and civilians.

Broader Frontline Escalation and UN Warnings

The attacks coincide with a wider Houthi escalation across multiple Yemeni fronts. The United Nations has issued warnings that Yemen faces the gravest risk of returning to full-scale war since the UN-brokered truce in 2022.