Yemen in September 2026: the most important developments in security
In Yemen in September 2026 the Houthis launched a large offensive along the Red Sea coast and escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia. Fighting spread across several frontlines early in the month, and by 7 September officials said the death toll from the Houthi offensive had crossed 300. On 10 and 11 September the Houthis took the port of Mokha and then the islands of Perim, Mayun and the Hanish group, and a government official said this gave them effective control of Yemen's western coast and the Bab al-Mandab shipping lane; one report said ship traffic through the strait halved. Reports said Iranian arms and advice aided the advance. More than 76,000 people were displaced by 13 September, over 122,000 by 17 September and over 130,000 by 21 September, and Yemeni coastguard personnel fled to Djibouti.
The Houthis attacked Saudi Arabia repeatedly. On 8 September attacks on four Saudi cities hit energy facilities and wounded at least 73 people, and the Houthis later claimed strikes on a Saudi air base, on Riyadh on 19 and 20 September, on Yanbu, and on Jazan. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting missiles and drones and said its air defences destroyed a drone south of Mecca on 16 September, which the Houthis denied was aimed at the holy city; the Houthis also claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15, which Saudi Arabia did not confirm. Saudi-led strikes hit Yemen, with the Houthis reporting more than 30 on 9 September and 129 in 48 hours by 12 September.
On the ground, government forces counterattacked west of Taiz, in Lahj and in Marib, announced a campaign to retake Sanaa, and declared a general mobilisation on 28 September, saying 476 Houthi fighters were killed or wounded in 24 hours. Up to 169 people were reported killed in one stretch of fighting for coastal heights, and Yemeni television said government-backed forces lost 500 fighters.
Foreign involvement grew. The US offered intelligence support, and Donald Trump reportedly called off planned strikes at the last minute on 21 September. The UK sent an RAF jet for refuelling support, France said it would protect Saudi Arabia's Red Sea oil route, and Italy sent its navy to protect merchant ships. The Houthis warned they would target American interests if Washington supported Saudi strikes.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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