Yemen’s Houthi Offensive Puts Red Sea Trade Under Severe Pressure

2026, September 25

Yemen / Saudi Arabia

Houthi forces have continued advancing along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, while Saudi Arabia reported intercepting six ballistic missiles aimed at the cities of Taif and Yanbu. The fighting has reportedly killed hundreds, displaced more than 120,000 people inside Yemen and driven thousands to flee by sea toward Africa.

The conflict has strategic importance beyond Yemen because the Bab el-Mandeb Strait links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for global shipping and energy supplies. G7 foreign ministers have urged Iran to stop supporting the Houthis, while Russia and Saudi Arabia have called for safe passage through both Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.