Story perspectives

Houthi Offensive Targets Bab al-Mandeb in Yemen Fight

9/7/2026

Center

Houthis Launch Offensive

Houthi forces launched a ground offensive against Saudi-backed coalition troops in southwestern Yemen on Thursday, targeting Bab al-Mandeb.
The attack seeks to capture high ground and ports at Bab al-Mandeb and Mokha, boosting the Houthis’ negotiating leverage with Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia.
AFP reported 129 deaths, including dozens of fighters, soldiers and one civilian.
A Yemeni official in Aden said Saudi-ordered reinforcements were dispatched from Aden to Taiz.

Left

Houthis Launch Offensive

Houthi forces launched a ground offensive against Saudi-backed coalition forces in southwestern Yemen on Thursday, targeting the Bab al-Mandeb strait area.
A ballistic missile strike hit a restaurant in al-Makha, killing several civilians and injuring others.
The Yemeni government launched at least 15 airstrikes on Friday against Houthi positions in Taiz.
Troops recaptured the al-Khazan and al-Makahna hills west of Taiz city.

Blindspot

The offensive aims to seize the high ground and ports of Bab al-Mandeb and Mokha to improve the Houthis’ bargaining position with Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia, according to Center-leaning sources.
Within this story's sources, this strategic-goal angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

After the Saudi-led coalition entered Yemen in March 2015 with roughly 30,000 troops and over $10 billion in aid to reinstall President Hadi, the United Arab Emirates established bases in Aden while the coalition accused Iran of arming the Houthis. In 2024 the Houthis launched a ground offensive toward Bab al-Mandeb and Mokha, aiming to seize high ground and pressure Saudi-backed forces.

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Houthis Launch Offensive

Houthi forces launched a ground offensive against Saudi-backed coalition troops in southwestern Yemen on Thursday, targeting Bab al-Mandeb.
The attack seeks to capture high ground and ports at Bab al-Mandeb and Mokha, boosting the Houthis’ negotiating leverage with Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia.
AFP reported 129 deaths, including dozens of fighters, soldiers and one civilian.
A Yemeni official in Aden said Saudi-ordered reinforcements were dispatched from Aden to Taiz.

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