Volcanic Yemen island at Bab el-Mandab, flashpoint in Red Sea shipping
Houthi attacks on Yemen’s Red Sea coast have intensified, striking Mocha and al-Makha ports as government forces and militants trade strikes across Marib, Taiz and the western coast. The violence threatens shipping lanes, raises regional tensions, and risks drawing in regional powers as talks for a ceasefire stall.
The Houthi movement has expanded its control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including Mokha and surrounding areas, raising concerns over shipping routes through Bab al-Mandab. The fighting has drawn in regional powers and threatens global oil supplies as the conflict tests Yemen’s government and international diplomacy.
Saudi officials have reported that air defences intercepted ballistic missiles and drones aimed at Riyadh, Taif and the Red Sea port of Yanbu after Houthi forces have seized Red Sea coast positions and tightened control of the Bab al‑Mandeb. Saudi civil defence has issued and later lifted alerts; there are no immediate confirmed civilian casualties.
The Houthis have captured Mokha and Mayun (Perim), extending their reach near a key shipping lane. The developments threaten flows through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for global oil and cargo, while Saudi exports remain stressed by past disruptions and shifting routes. Authorities note ongoing tensions and potential further escalation.
The Houthis have seized the Red Sea coast and three strategic islands, while Saudi Arabia shuts the East-West pipeline and Iraq closes border crossings amid attacks blamed on drones from Iraq. The moves threaten oil shipments and push prices above $100 a barrel as regional tensions escalate.
Houthi advances along Yemen’s coast and the capture of Mocha put Bab el-Mandeb at risk. The United States faces political pressure as it weighs whether to intervene, while Saudi Arabia seeks to protect Red Sea shipping amid Iran-linked disruptions.
Saudi Arabia has closed its 1,200km East–West oil pipeline after a drone attack Riyadh has blamed on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. Repairs could take three to five weeks, analysts say the closure risks 2.6–4 million barrels per day of exports and has pushed Brent above $105–$108 a barrel while Houthi gains in the Red Sea further tighten routes.
Djibouti is grappling with a surge in arrivals of Yemen-bound refugees, with thousands arriving by sea as fighting in Yemen drives displacement. Officials warn the pace risks straining the Horn of Africa nation’s limited resources while international agencies mobilise aid and support.
The Yemeni Houthi rebels have captured Greater and Lesser Hanish islands near Bab al-Mandab, expanding their Red Sea reach. The move intensifies pressure on Saudi exports and global oil supplies as clashes widen and civilians flee. Israel and Iran are not directly involved in this update.
The Houthis have expanded their control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, capturing Mocha and advancing toward Bab al-Mandab. Government forces are reorganising and launching counterattacks, while regional dynamics intensify as Iran-backed groups challenge Saudi-led authorities. Displacement continues and the Bab al-Mandab Strait remains a focal point for global shipping.
Houthi forces have seized large stretches of Yemen's Red Sea coast and islands, tightened control over the Bab al‑Mandeb shipping lane and have launched missiles, drones and ballistic rounds at Saudi cities including Riyadh and Yanbu. Saudi air defences have said they have intercepted strikes; residents have reported explosions and smoke. The advance has disrupted shipping and pushed global energy markets higher.
The conflict in Yemen has intensified near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, with Houthi advances threatening shipping lanes. The UK and other allies are expanding support to regional allies, while Western powers weigh their involvement as oil routes face new risks. Over 125,000 people have fled the fighting, and the Red Sea corridor remains a focal point for global trade.