Yemen’s Mokha Port Halts Operations After Repeated Houthi Attacks, $16 Million in Losses

Mokha — The director of Yemen’s Mokha port, Abdul Malik al‑Sharabi, announced Saturday that commercial and shipping activity has been suspended following a series of Houthi attacks in recent days, estimating direct financial losses at around $16 million.

Located in Taiz province near the Bab al‑Mandeb strait, the port has come under heavy fire since August 9, facing waves of missile and drone strikes in what officials described as the most serious escalation since the 2022 truce between the government and the Houthis.

Speaking at a press conference in Mokha, al‑Sharabi said the bombardment killed seven people four facility security officers and three port employees  and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and equipment. 

He noted that more than 25 missiles struck the port, damaging six wooden vessels and a dredger involved in expansion works.

The suspension of operations has left about 1,300 workers without income, according to both port authorities and local media reports. Al‑Sharabi added that the attacks coincided with a $130 million rehabilitation and development project aimed at modernizing the port.

On Friday, the National Resistance forces reported that the Houthis had launched 40 ballistic missiles, 46 drones, and explosive‑laden boats against Mokha city, its port, and civilian targets.

The Houthis claimed they were targeting “military reinforcements and weapons depots” in the area, while government authorities insisted the port is a vital civilian facility.