Chronological coverage updated 11th September 2026 21:11.
Update 1 · 11th September 2026
Houthis Seize Strategic Red Sea Coastline and Perim Island in Major Yemen Offensive
Yemen's Houthi movement has consolidated control over the western Red Sea coast following a swift military advance, seizing key territorial positions along one of the world's most vital maritime trade routes. Pro-government forces backed by Saudi Arabia withdrew from Perim Island, also known as Mayyun, situated at the narrowest point of the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Military officials confirmed that Houthi fighters subsequently occupied the island, completing their takeover of the strategic waterway's entrance. Source: BBC News.
The capture of Perim Island followed the fall of Mokha, a strategic port city, to Houthi units a day earlier. A Yemeni military official stated that the group now commands the entire western coastline. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea declared the operation a success, claiming that rebel forces had driven Saudi-backed troops out of six districts across the Taiz and Hodeidah regions, resulting in hundreds of enemy casualties.
Geopolitical Pressures and US Involvement
The rapid offensive has heightened security concerns for global shipping and oil transit. The Bab al-Mandab Strait has assumed critical importance for international energy markets, particularly as conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia relies heavily on the Red Sea passage to export crude oil to Asian markets, and the renewed fighting contributed to a sharp increase in global oil prices.
In response to the Houthi advance, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally appealed to US President Donald Trump to engage American forces in direct military action against the rebels. However, President Trump declined direct military intervention, opting instead to provide intelligence and targeting assistance to Saudi forces. A senior US administration official confirmed ongoing discussions with Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government regarding regional stability.
Humanitarian Crisis and Regional Escalation
At least 46,000 people have been displaced in Yemen since fighting escalated between Houthi rebels, pro-government forces, and the Saudi-led coalition. — according to International Organization for Migration, as reported by BBC News.
BBC News reportedly quoted Amy Pope (Director General of the International Organization for Migration) as saying: “Families are being forced to flee for the second or third time in this conflict, with almost nothing left.”.
The renewed hostilities mark the collapse of a truce that had largely held for four years following the Houthis' initial overthrow of the recognized government in 2015. Alongside ground fighting, cross-border attacks have expanded. Houthi forces launched missiles and drones targeting energy infrastructure inside Saudi Arabia, while a separate drone strike originating from Iraq forced the temporary closure of Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline.
- Houthi forces now control the entire western coastline of Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- US President Donald Trump declined direct military action, limiting assistance to intelligence sharing.
- Over 46,000 civilians have been displaced during the recent week-long escalation.
