Story perspectives

Houthis Launch Ground Offensive Targeting Bab al-Mandeb in Yemen

9/5/2026

Center

Houthis Launch Offensive

Houthi forces launched a ground offensive against the Saudi-led coalition in southwestern Yemen Thursday, targeting the Bab al-Mandeb gateway.
Risk analyst Mohammed al-Basha said the Houthis target high ground and ports of Mokha and Bab al-Mandeb to boost negotiating leverage.
AFP reported 129 deaths, including civilians, by Friday.
Shelling forced hundreds of families to flee Hodeidah and Mokha.
Houthis blocked ships near Saudi Arabia’s coast, hitting vessels and causing deaths.

Left

Houthis Target Bab

Houthi forces launched a ground offensive against the Saudi-led coalition in southwestern Yemen Thursday, targeting the Bab al-Mandeb gateway.
A missile strike on a restaurant in al-Makha killed several civilians, underscoring civilian vulnerability.
Yemeni government troops recaptured the al-Khazan and al-Makahna hills west of Taiz.
State-run Saba TV reported over 120 people killed in Yemen since the Houthi advance began.

Blindspot

The Houthis announced a blockade of ships heading toward Saudi Arabia’s west coast and have fired on several commercial vessels, causing severe damage and deaths, according to the Center-leaning source.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

1 of 3

Houthis Launch Offensive

Houthi forces launched a ground offensive against the Saudi-led coalition in southwestern Yemen Thursday, targeting the Bab al-Mandeb gateway.
Risk analyst Mohammed al-Basha said the Houthis target high ground and ports of Mokha and Bab al-Mandeb to boost negotiating leverage.
AFP reported 129 deaths, including civilians, by Friday.
Shelling forced hundreds of families to flee Hodeidah and Mokha.
Houthis blocked ships near Saudi Arabia’s coast, hitting vessels and causing deaths.

1 / 3