Houthis capture Yemen's Mokha from Saudi-backed forces 46 miles from Bab el-Mandeb
Saudi Arabia has leaned on this route to bypass the constrained Strait of Hormuz
Hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced since the offensive began a week ago.
The shipping route at stake:
- Saudi Arabia cut crude output this year after the Houthis declared a maritime embargo on its exports in July.
- The Bab el-Mandeb is about 18-20 miles wide at its narrowest point.
- Houthi forces also reached the Hanish Islands as government forces withdrew south toward Dhubab, opposite Perim island.