Houthi forces advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast
Houthi forces launched an offensive along Yemen’s Red Sea coast in September, taking coastal positions and territory near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Several reports described the gains as consolidating Houthi control of the strategic waterway and raising concerns about shipping and trade.
Key points
- The reported gains put Houthi forces in control of strategic coastal areas near a major shipping chokepoint.
Evidence · 3 source statements
Since early September, Houthi forces have pushed along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and seized territory near the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a key chokepoint for oil and global shipping.
On September 12, Ansar Allah Political Bureau member Hizam al-Assad told TASS that the Houthis had completed an operation to establish control over areas in western Yemen with…
- Reports connected the advance to risks for Red Sea shipping and, in some accounts, to Houthi control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Evidence · 3 source statements
In September, Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen took over critical positions on the Yemeni coast and are threatening Red Sea trade routes while launching attacks on targets in…
The recent Houthi takeover of Yemen's Red Sea coast has also heightened fears over global trade and shipping through the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Who's involved
Houthi forces
They carried out the coastal offensive and control the areas at issue.
A senior Houthi official warned countries against joining Saudi Arabia in Yemen’s civil war and said the group had assured the Trump administration it would not attack US vessels in the Red Sea. Hizam al-Assad said the operation to establish control over areas with access to the strait was complete.
What they said · 2 source statements
On September 12, Ansar Allah Political Bureau member Hizam al-Assad told TASS that the Houthis had completed an operation to establish control over areas in western Yemen with…
A senior Houthi official on Sunday warned countries against joining Saudi Arabia in Yemen's revived civil war, telling The Associated Press that his group has assured the Trump…
Yahya Rahim Safavi
He is an Iranian figure whose remarks reflect support for the Houthis’ gains.
Safavi praised the Houthis for gaining control of a coastal area of the Red Sea.
What they said · 1 source statement
Mike Waltz
He commented on the Houthis’ role in the regional conflict.
Waltz called Houthi terrorism unacceptable to the region and described the group as a proxy of Iran.
What they said · 2 source statements
The scourge of terrorism from them is unacceptable to the entire region,
They continue to act as a proxy of the Iranian regime.
What was reported
- Reports said Houthi forces advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coast from early September and seized territory or strategic locations near Bab al-Mandab.
Reported independently by 3: AFP, UN News, Yonhap News Agency
Evidence · 3 source statements
Since early September, Houthi forces have pushed along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and seized territory near the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a key chokepoint for oil and global shipping.
- CNews described the Houthis as controlling the entire Red Sea coastline, while other reports described coastal advances or control of areas near the strait.
Reported independently by 3: AFP, TASS, UN News
Evidence · 3 source statements
Since early September, Houthi forces have pushed along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and seized territory near the Bab al‑Mandab Strait, a key chokepoint for oil and global shipping.
On September 12, Ansar Allah Political Bureau member Hizam al-Assad told TASS that the Houthis had completed an operation to establish control over areas in western Yemen with…
- Hizam al-Assad of the Ansar Allah Political Bureau said the Houthis had completed an operation to establish control over areas in western Yemen with access to the strait.
One source: TASS
Evidence · 1 source statement
On September 12, Ansar Allah Political Bureau member Hizam al-Assad told TASS that the Houthis had completed an operation to establish control over areas in western Yemen with…
- Yonhap, relaying the Associated Press, reported that Houthi forces captured Saudi- and UAE-made armored vehicles, rockets and ammunition left by retreating government forces.
One source: Associated Press
Evidence · 1 source statement
- Several reports said the Houthi gains threatened shipping routes or heightened concern about trade through Bab al-Mandab.
Reported independently by 3: CGTN, Deutsche Welle, France 24
Evidence · 3 source statements
In September, Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen took over critical positions on the Yemeni coast and are threatening Red Sea trade routes while launching attacks on targets in…
Houthi gains along the Red Sea coast threaten shipping routes
The recent Houthi takeover of Yemen's Red Sea coast has also heightened fears over global trade and shipping through the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait.
How coverage differed
US-based coverage — Foregrounded the threat to Saudi oil production and the Houthis’ cross-border attacks.
Russian state coverage — Relayed a Houthi official’s account that an operation to secure areas with access to the strait had been completed.
Still unclear
- The exact boundaries and number of coastal sites captured are not specified.
- The reports do not state whether the coastal gains caused an actual interruption to commercial shipping.
Not heard from
- Yemen’s internationally recognized government — Government forces were described as retreating, but no statement from the government appears in the claims.
- Saudi Arabia — The advance was described as a threat to Saudi interests, but no Saudi government statement on the coastal gains appears in the claims.