Story perspectives

Iran-Backed Houthis Seize Yemen’s Red Sea Coast

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 2:06 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast, capturing Mokha port and Bab al-Mandab Strait in early September 2026.
The offensive displaced over 230,000 civilians, up from about 130,000, within weeks.
United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) recorded at least 110 casualties, including 28 deaths, in the coastal fighting.
World Food Programme (WFP) warned that roughly 18 million Yemenis face acute food insecurity.
It said 2.2 million children under five are severely malnourished.

History

Historical Context

After Saudi Arabia led a nine-state coalition to launch airstrikes on 26 March 2015 at President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi’s request, the campaign killed at least 1,693 civilians and displaced millions, deepening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis. The conflict’s escalation set the stage for the Houthi movement’s September 2026 seizure of Mokha and the Bab al-Mandab strait, forcing over 230,000 civilians to flee.

1 of 2

Story summary

Iran-backed Houthi forces seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast, capturing Mokha port and Bab al-Mandab Strait in early September 2026.
The offensive displaced over 230,000 civilians, up from about 130,000, within weeks.
United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) recorded at least 110 casualties, including 28 deaths, in the coastal fighting.
World Food Programme (WFP) warned that roughly 18 million Yemenis face acute food insecurity.
It said 2.2 million children under five are severely malnourished.

1 / 2