The war in Yemen is entering a new phase, as the Iran-backed Houthis, following their capture of Mocha and strategic positions near Bab al-Mandab, are now concentrating their forces around the oil-rich province of Marib.
Arab media outlets are reporting that a major Houthi military mobilization is underway, while forces of the internationally recognized government have been placed on high alert. Marib is the last major government stronghold in northern Yemen, an important military hub, and one of the country’s key oil and natural gas-producing regions.
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At the same time, the war has flared up again on multiple fronts. Saudi Arabia is carrying out airstrikes against Houthi positions in the provinces of Hajjah and Taiz, while the Houthis are using ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles against Saudi targets. Debris from a downed drone has already caused the first civilian death in Saudi Arabia during this new escalation, while more than 80 people have been injured.
The latest reports, published late Friday afternoon, indicate that an investigation has begun into the sudden collapse of government forces in western Yemen. More than 15 brigades—approximately 30,000 men—are reported to have retreated, allowing the Houthis to capture Mocha and nearly the entire Red Sea coast. Allegations of bribery and treason are circulating, though no evidence has been presented. The National Resistance forces maintain that they carried out a “tactical retreat” to avoid being surrounded, after losing approximately 500 men.
These developments have now prompted an immediate European response. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated today that more warships are needed in the Red Sea to protect commercial shipping. “Some progress has been made in Operation Shields, but we need more ships,” he said, adding that “the only countries that are truly supporting these security efforts are Italy and Greece.”
Rome is also preparing a national naval mission to protect Italian merchant ships, stating that it cannot wait for “European bureaucracy.” Crosetto warned that any delay would increase transportation costs and prices for businesses and consumers, while also highlighting the vulnerability of undersea data cables and energy interconnections. Approximately 40% of Italy’s foreign trade passes through the Suez Canal, while in June, an amount of oil equivalent to 7% of global production passed through Bab el-Mandeb.
The new conflict has already displaced at least 112,000 people in two weeks, while nearly 3,000 have fled in overcrowded boats to Djibouti.
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