Yemen's military announced that it has secured a key waterway in the Red Sea, the BBC reported on Tuesday. The claim comes at a time when Saudi‑backed forces have issued conflicting statements about whether they have taken the port city of Mokha, which sits near the Bab al‑Mandab Strait.

"Securing the Red Sea waterway could give Yemen a strategic edge over Saudi‑backed forces," the BBC said. The announcement was made by officials in Sanaa, who said the waterway now falls under the control of the internationally recognised government.

The Bab al‑Mandab is a narrow strait that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, and it is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints. Each year, more than 20,000 vessels pass through the corridor, carrying oil, goods and humanitarian supplies to and from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Yemeni navy vessel in Red Sea

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been supporting Yemen’s government in a conflict that began in 2015. The Houthi rebels, who control large parts of the north, have repeatedly targeted shipping lanes in the region. A shift in control of the waterway could alter the balance of power in the ongoing confrontation.

Reports from Saudi‑backed forces are contradictory. Some officials say they have already seized Mokha, while others deny the capture and claim the city remains under Houthi influence. The lack of clear confirmation has left international observers uncertain about the current status of the port.

The United Nations has warned that any escalation near the Bab al‑Mandab could disrupt global trade and endanger shipping. Maritime security organisations have urged shipping companies to monitor the situation closely and consider alternative routes if necessary.

Yemen’s claim has prompted a cautious response from regional actors. Saudi Arabia has not yet issued an official statement, but diplomats in Riyadh are reportedly monitoring the developments closely. The United Arab Emirates, which maintains a naval presence in the area, has called for a rapid de‑escalation to avoid a broader confrontation.

The United Nations Security Council, which has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Yemen, has not yet responded to the new claims. The council’s latest resolution last month reaffirmed the need for a political settlement and urged all parties to respect humanitarian corridors.

Analysts say that even if Yemen controls the waterway, the presence of armed groups and the threat of maritime attacks could still complicate shipping. The conflict’s impact on trade routes may persist until a comprehensive settlement is reached.

The next diplomatic meeting between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is scheduled for next week in Riyadh, where the parties may address the implications of the latest developments in Yemen.