Coalition and army liberate Mokha from Houthi rebels
Port was used by rebels as route for Iranian weapons
ADEN // The strategic port city of Mokha was liberated from the Houthi rebels yesterday by Yemeni forces backed by UAE tanks and special forces from the Saudi-led coalition.
A force including army troops loyal to the internationally recognised government and tribal militias liberated Mokha city and its port from the rebels after two days of fierce fighting.
Coalition jets, helicopters and warships carried out missile and air strikes against the Iranbacked rebels, with dozens killed on both sides. “More than 50 Houthis were killed and dozens injured but there are still some snipers towards the northern entrance of Mokha,” said military spokesman Mohammed Al Naqeeb. The government says Mokha was a key supply route for Iranian weapons to the Houthis and soldiers still loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh. Army commander Khalid Fadhel said pro-government forces were still clearing the city of pockets of Houthis.
A commander leading troops in the field said there was also fighting on the southern outskirts of Mokha.
Dozens of families were seen fleeing the city as the fighting raged yesterday.
The victory is the latest advance for the coalition-backed Operation Golden Spear, which began on January 7 to secure Yemen’s western coast around the key Bab Al Mandeb strait.
Until now, the rebels have controlled most of the 450 kilometre coastline, using it as a launching pad for attacks on the international shipping lanes that carry 8 per cent of the world’s trade – including striking an Emirati vessel and firing at US warships.
The small fishing village of Dhubab was the first port to be retaken from the rebels two weeks ago.
The operation’s next target is expected to be Hodeidah, the largest port in territory controlled by the rebels, but this has not been confirmed.
The pro- government forces hope to isolate rebel forces even further by cutting off the ports and tip the balance in favour of anti-rebel fighters in the key frontline in Taez city. Yemeni president Abdrabu Mansur Hadi congratulated the pro-government forces and the people of Yemen on the victory in Mokha.
Mr Hadi also praised the role of the Saudi and Emirati coalition forces, who played a key role in liberating Mokha.
Army sappers were still clearing landmines planted by the rebels in and around the city yesterday.
Meanwhile, an Emirati ship arrived at the Yemeni port of Mukalla yesterday with food supplies and medical equipment to support health services in Hadramawt province.
Abdullah Al Musafri, head of the Emirates Red Crescent team in Hadramawt, said the shipment was part of a sealift of UAE aid to Yemen.