Yemen’s Iran-backed Shia Houthi group has rapidly expanded its control along the Red Sea coast, capturing Mokha, Dhubab and islands around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The latest offensive has brought the strategic waterway under much greater Houthi influence and created new pressure on Saudi Arabia, whose oil exports and shipping routes are increasingly exposed across the region.
The developments come as the wider US-Iran conflict has disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, increasing the importance of alternative energy routes.
Houthis began its latest offensive on September 3 and, within days, forced government-aligned forces to withdraw from several positions. By September 11, the Houthis had taken Mokha and the island of Perim, while subsequent advances brought the Hanish islands under their control, according to reports from officials and conflict monitors. The gains give the Houthis positions overlooking one of the world’s principal maritime chokepoints, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Saudi Arabia comes under growing pressure
Saudi authorities have reported drone attacks and interceptions, while the Houthis have claimed strikes against Saudi military targets and accused Saudi forces of conducting extensive airstrikes in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has also recently reported casualties from intercepted Houthi drones. On September 15, Saudi air defences said they destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it entered restricted airspace.
On September 17, Saudi civil defence authorities said debris from an intercepted Houthi drone in the Taif area killed one person and injured two others. This was reported as the first death in Saudi Arabia during the current escalation. Saudi-backed Yemeni authorities have reported deaths from Houthi attacks, while Houthi-linked media have reported civilian casualties from Saudi or government strikes.
The Houthi expansion is also increasing concern over Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and maritime exports. The terror group has announced a maritime blockade focused on Saudi-linked shipping, while Saudi Arabia has sought to protect routes affected by the conflict. The Bab el-Mandeb is particularly significant because disruption there can affect vessels travelling between the Indian Ocean, Red Sea and Suez Canal. Recent reports recorded a temporary fall in ship movements through the strait after the Houthi advance, although traffic later recovered.
Red Sea trade faces renewed uncertainty
The immediate impact on commercial shipping remains mixed. Shipping data cited in recent reports showed traffic through Bab el-Mandeb falling substantially after the Houthi capture of strategic positions before recovering. Analysts have warned that the situation could change if the Houthis broaden their definition of Saudi-linked vessels or expand attacks beyond Saudi shipping.
Houthi Escalation Against Saudi Arabia:
Missile Launches Toward 8 Saudi Provinces, Including the Capital Riyadh.
A difficult night passed over the Saudis, the Houthis show no mercy: Missile alerts were activated in the provinces of Jeddah, Taif, AlUla, Yanbu, Khamis Mushait,… pic.twitter.com/viXPyUS0tZ
— Gameover 🇦🇺🇮🇱 (@MarkoS2075) September 19, 2026
During the earlier Red Sea campaign linked to the Gaza war, Houthi attacks also affected vessels without an established connection to Israel.
The latest territorial gains have therefore created uncertainty for international shipping and energy markets. The Houthis now control positions close to the main maritime corridor, while government forces are attempting to regroup.
Fighting has continued around Taiz and other areas, with Yemeni government aircraft striking Houthi positions east of Taiz on September 18. The internationally recognised government remains backed by Saudi Arabia, but its forces have suffered significant battlefield setbacks during the recent offensive.
Diplomacy and humanitarian costs
Saudi Arabia has sought diplomatic support as the escalation widens. Reuters reported that Riyadh appealed to China, after which Beijing privately urged Iran to help restrain the Houthis. Oman has also hosted contacts involving US and Houthi representatives, while Turkey has discussed regional de-escalation with Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Washington has maintained contact with Saudi Arabia but has so far avoided direct military intervention against the Houthis in the current escalation.
The humanitarian consequences are already severe for Yemen. The UN migration agency said at least 112,000 people had been displaced inside Yemen, while nearly 3,000 had crossed by sea to Djibouti. The renewed fighting adds to a conflict that has already devastated Yemen’s infrastructure, public services and food security.
