The Houthis quickly took control of most of the Red Sea coasts of Yemen, including the coasts of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in a short period. This operation began on September 3, 2026, with the aim of cutting off a vital route connecting the city of Taiz to the port of Mokha. By September 11, the city of Mokha, the city of Dhubab, and the island of Mayyun were under Houthi control, and in this process, approximately 2,100 square miles of Yemeni territory came under the control of this group.
Evidence and Reasons for Houthi Progress
These developments represent the largest change in the front lines of Yemen's civil war since the cessation of hostilities following the UN-mediated ceasefire in April 2022. However, most media coverage has focused on the interpretation that these advances serve as a new lever for Iran in its ongoing war with the United States and pose a fresh threat to Saudi Arabia and global shipping. While this interpretation is not incorrect, it seems that a more important question is what these operations mean for Yemen itself and where the long-stagnant internal conflict will lead.
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The Houthis, who captured Yemen's capital, Sana'a, in 2014, have now concluded that conditions on the ground have shifted in their favor. For years, the Houthis have battled against a coalition led by Saudi Arabia, and now they can exploit internal problems and divisions among Saudi supporters. In particular, Saudi Arabia's disagreements with the United Arab Emirates in late 2025 led to the withdrawal of Emirati support for anti-Houthi forces in southern Yemen.
Potential Consequences for the Houthis
While the Houthis may achieve increased influence against Saudi Arabia and the USA with these advancements, this could lead to serious challenges to their legitimacy in Yemen. No government in modern Yemeni history has been able to maintain both military and political control over the entire territory of Yemen simultaneously. Although the Houthis have military dominance in the northwest of the country, they have not had any political agreement with the internationally supported government.
Thus, the Houthis may continue to escalate pressures in Yemen in an effort to attract Saudi attention and return to negotiations. However, they must be cautious that these developments do not come at the cost of losing their credibility among the people of Yemen.
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