Houthis Seize Strategic Red Sea Islands, Clash with Saudi Forces

In September 2026, Houthi forces in Yemen seized the strategic islands of Mayun and Perim near the Bab el-Mandeb strait in a rapid 36-hour offensive, while also launching missile and drone attacks on a Saudi military base. The Houthis claimed the attack on the Saudi base was retaliation for Saudi-led bombings in Yemen. Fighting continues between Houthi fighters and Yemeni government forces, and the coastal offensive has displaced over 76,000 people, with 1,400 fleeing to Djibouti. The island seizures have left the port city of Mocha vulnerable, as U.S. advisers provided no air cover during the Houthi advance.