Full Breakdown
Yemen’s Government Pushes Back as Houthis Target Bab al-Mandeb Strait
9/7/2026, 2:10:53 PM
Core Event: Fierce Fighting Around Taiz and Hodeidah
In early September 2026 Yemeni government forces launched a counter-offensive that recaptured the Tabbat al-Khazan hills west of Taiz, according to state-run Saba TV. The army also reported taking back al-Khanaz and al-Makahna hills, shooting down a Houthi drone and disabling a vehicle. The advances came amid a broader Houthi push toward the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, with heavy clashes in western Taiz, southern Hodeidah and around al-Makha.
Background & Context
The Iran-backed Houthi movement seized Yemen’s capital Sanaa in September 2014, prompting a Saudi-led coalition intervention in March 2015. A UN-brokered truce in April 2022 expired six months later, and fighting resumed in July 2022 when the Houthis announced a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia.
Timeline
- July 13 2026 – Government aircraft struck the runway at Houthi-held Sanaa International Airport.
- July 25 2026 – Warplanes hit Houthi missile sites in Marib and al-Jawf.
- February 28 2026 – The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran, increasing regional pressure.
- September 4 2026 – Forces recaptured Tabbat al-Khazan and other hills west of Taiz.
- Early September 2026 – Houthis launched a multi-axis offensive in western Taiz and southern Hodeidah.
Data & Statistics
- Casualties: AFP reported more than 60 killed in Taiz on a single day; government sources said 26 soldiers died the same day. Later AFP tallies rose to 129 deaths, with other sources citing “over 120.”
- Displacement: OCHA estimated about 1,800 families displaced over two days of intensified fighting.
Official Statements & Responses
Presidential Leadership Council chairman Rashad al-Alimi asserted that Yemen’s armed forces can restore control and warned that Houthi “miscalculations” would lead to their “complete collapse.”
Colonel Abdul Basit al-Baher, a government officer in Taiz, said the Houthi push aims at the port city of Mokha, less than 50 miles from Bab al-Mandeb.
Saudi Arabia continues air strikes in Taiz and announced a mission to form an international alliance to guard Red Sea shipping.
Verbatim Quotes
- “According to military officials from the internationally recognised government, the Houthis have been able to take some of those territories,” — Al Jazeera’s Yousef Mawry
- “They are going for Bab al-Mandab,” — Mohammed al, leadership council chairman
On-the-Ground Reports
State-run Saba TV reported a ballistic missile struck a restaurant in al-Makha, killing several civilians. Another missile hit Heijah al-Abd Road south of Taiz, killing four and injuring nine. Local medical sources confirmed additional civilian casualties in Houthi-controlled areas.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Death tolls: AFP’s rolling tally reached 129 deaths; other outlets cite “over 120” and earlier reports mentioned “more than 60” in a single day. No Houthi casualty figures have been released.
- Territorial control: Government claims recapture of key hills, while Houthi sources assert they hold “some of those territories” and elevated positions overlooking Bab al-Mandeb. Independent verification remains limited.
What’s Next
Saudi Arabia’s mission to assemble an international Red Sea security alliance suggests possible escalation. Analysts expect the next phase of fighting to be more difficult, with both sides reinforcing positions around Jabal Numan and the Taiz-al-Makha corridor. Continued displacement and threats to the Bab al-Mandeb shipping lane keep the conflict at the forefront of regional security concerns.
