The al-Makha (Mocha) port in western Yemen has suspended operations following a series of Houthi attacks, resulting in the immediate unemployment of approximately 1,500 workers and significant disruptions to trade.

The closure comes after escalating conflict between Yemeni government forces and Houthi fighters, following the collapse of a recent truce. The Red Sea port, which had reopened in 2021, was targeted by Houthi drone and missile strikes beginning on August 9, causing casualties and damage.

Mohammed Al-Homaidi, a labourer who had been working at the port since its reopening, described the fear and chaos during the attacks. At least seven people were killed and over thirty injured in the initial barrages. Subsequent attacks on August 11 and August 14 targeted vessels at the port, resulting in further casualties and damage to infrastructure.

The decision to suspend operations was made on August 18 to prioritize the safety of the port's workforce. This action, however, has left many, like Al-Homaidi, facing severe economic hardship as they relied on daily wages with no savings to fall back on.

Beyond port labor, the escalating insecurity has also impacted other local industries. Fishermen have been advised by authorities not to venture out to sea due to the dangerous conditions in the Red Sea, further limiting income opportunities for residents of al-Makha.

Traders are now facing increased transportation costs as goods must be rerouted through alternative, less direct routes. This adds to the economic strain on the region, which is already grappling with the ongoing conflict and its humanitarian consequences.

The repeated Houthi attacks on al-Makha and surrounding areas have become a pattern, contributing to a climate of fear and instability. The port's closure represents a significant blow to the local economy, which was beginning to recover with the port's reopening.

Questions remain about the future of the port and the livelihoods of its workers. The ongoing conflict and the Houthi's continued targeting of infrastructure raise doubts about when, or if, operations at al-Makha port can safely resume.