Since August 2026, Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched sustained large-scale missile and drone attacks on the government-controlled Red Sea port of Mocha, severely damaging port infrastructure and bringing all operations to a complete halt.

According to port authorities, between August 9 and 14, Mocha port was hit by 40 ballistic missiles and 46 drones. On August 14, the Yemeni government forces stated that the Houthis fired six ballistic missiles at Mocha port that day. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said on the same day that the group had launched multiple ballistic missiles in the Mocha area, targeting Saudi military concentrations, military equipment, and warships under Saudi control.

On August 15, the port management reported that the attacks had caused severe damage to infrastructure and had completely halted port services. According to Turkey's Anadolu Agency, the port director said the attacks caused approximately $16 million in direct material losses and resulted in seven deaths.

Mocha port is one of Yemen's most important ports. Strategically located just 65 kilometers from the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and only 6 kilometers from the international shipping lane connecting the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, it plays a critical role in Red Sea shipping and the delivery of humanitarian supplies. The complete suspension of operations following the attacks is likely to further exacerbate Yemen's already dire humanitarian situation.