Key facts
- Yemen's Mocha has become a military hub for fighters and their families.
- The Houthis claimed responsibility for missile attacks on Saudi vessels off Mocha.
- Mocha's strategic Red Sea location near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait makes it a target.
- Civilian casualties have occurred due to Houthi strikes in Mocha.
- Local fishermen have been prevented from working due to the conflict.
Yemen's coastal city of Mocha, historically known for its coffee exports, has transformed into a strategic military hub and headquarters for the UAE-backed Republican Guard faction led by Tareq Saleh. The city has attracted Yemenis fleeing Houthi-controlled areas due to higher salaries. Its location on the Red Sea, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, has made it a frequent target for Houthi attacks, resulting in civilian casualties and prompting fighters to move their families inland for safety. The increased military presence has also driven up local rents. Local fishermen have been severely impacted, unable to sail due to the targeting of the port, with some abandoning their trade for better financial prospects in the Republican Guard. Despite the economic activity and investment, residents express concerns about safety.