Fighting in Yemen has escalated as the Houthi militia attempts to seize territory near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical shipping route through the Red Sea. The fierce ground battles have pitted the Houthis against forces allied with Yemen's internationally recognized government, supported by Saudi Arabia. The most intense fighting has been around western Taiz, where the militia is reportedly trying to reach the port city of Mokha, less than 50 miles from the strait.

Gaining access to Mokha could allow the Houthis to exert greater control over ships entering and leaving the Red Sea. The Bab al-Mandab has become increasingly crucial for global energy markets since the United States and Israel attacked Iran in February, as Saudi Arabia now relies on the Red Sea to export most of its oil after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. In July, the Houthis declared a blockade on Saudi oil tankers, launching missile and drone attacks at passing ships and Saudi facilities.

Despite heavy clashes, Houthi political official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti downplayed the fighting as "nothing more than skirmishes and clashes.".