Iran-aligned Houthi forces have seized the strategic Yemeni port city of
Mocha, threatening another major oil shipping route.

Yemeni government military sources say the group has also advanced toward the
Hanish Islands in the Red Sea.

The gains strengthen the Houthis' position near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait,
which links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Saudi Arabia has relied more heavily on that route for oil exports since
fighting severely restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis say Red Sea navigation remains safe except for Saudi vessels.

The United Nations has warned that the advance marks a new and more dangerous
stage in Yemen's conflict, with serious implications for freedom of
navigation.

Concerns about further supply disruptions pushed Brent crude above 100 U.S.
dollars a barrel this week. Prices eased on Friday but remained on course for
their strongest weekly gain since July.