The Saudi Arabia-backed head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council⁠, Rashad al-Alimi, has announced the start of military operations to retake the major advances made by the Iran-aligned Houthi armed group and restore control across the country. In a televised address, al-Alimi said on Sunday the internationally recognised government's forces would extend &nbsp;“the authority of the state and its institutions over the entire national territory”."We have instructed the armed forces, security forces and all military formations to begin carrying out their assigned tasks under an approved plan until the country is liberated from the Houthis,” he said.Al-Alimi added that all state institutions will be placed on full alert “until the mission is completed and victory is achieved”.The development follows a major offensive by the Yemeni government forces &nbsp;“executed 257 precision targeting operations” against Houthi sites, movements, and military capabilities on Saturday, and killed around 700 Houthi rebels, said the spokesman for Yemen’s internationally recognised government forces, Colonel Majed Abdullah al-Nazili.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-democratic-house-india-trump-modi-relations-1791131467809">US midterms: Could a Democratic House be good for India?</a>Despite the Yemeni Government forces declaring its ambitious counteroffensive, Houthis remain on the front foot since seizing control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait ​in their lightning offensive last month that saw government forces collapse. In the last 48 hours, Houthis have gained ground against government and local forces on strategic hilltops near Yemen's Taiz, military sources said, advancing on the last road between the city and Aden on the southern coast. Earlier today, Houthi forces have reportedly seized the home of Yemeni Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Barakani south of Taiz following clashes with forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, according to Yemeni sources. Houthi control over the Taiz-Aden road would lead to an effective siege of the government’s interim capital, Aden, effectively isolating and encircling Taiz. The interim capital city of Aden and the besieged city of Taiz are both situated right along the vital Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;

Yemen's Saudi-backed government has launched a military operation to retake Houthi-held territory as the Iran-backed group advances near Taiz and Bab el-Mandeb

The Saudi Arabia-backed head of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council⁠, Rashad al-Alimi, has announced the start of military operations to retake the major advances made by the Iran-aligned Houthi armed group and restore control across the country. In a televised address, al-Alimi said on Sunday the internationally recognised government's forces would extend “the authority of the state and its institutions over the entire national territory”. "We have instructed the armed forces, security forces and all military formations to begin carrying out their assigned tasks under an approved plan until the country is liberated from the Houthis,” he said. Al-Alimi added that all state institutions will be placed on full alert “until the mission is completed and victory is achieved”. The development follows a major offensive by the Yemeni government forces “executed 257 precision targeting operations” against Houthi sites, movements, and military capabilities on Saturday, and killed around 700 Houthi rebels, said the spokesman for Yemen’s internationally recognised government forces, Colonel Majed Abdullah al-Nazili. Also Read: US midterms: Could a Democratic House be good for India? Despite the Yemeni Government forces declaring its ambitious counteroffensive, Houthis remain on the front foot since seizing control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in their lightning offensive last month that saw government forces collapse. In the last 48 hours, Houthis have gained ground against government and local forces on strategic hilltops near Yemen's Taiz, military sources said, advancing on the last road between the city and Aden on the southern coast. Earlier today, Houthi forces have reportedly seized the home of Yemeni Parliament Speaker Sultan al-Barakani south of Taiz following clashes with forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government, according to Yemeni sources. Houthi control over the Taiz-Aden road would lead to an effective siege of the government’s interim capital, Aden, effectively isolating and encircling Taiz. The interim capital city of Aden and the besieged city of Taiz are both situated right along the vital Gulf of Aden.

Yemen's Saudi-backed government has launched a military operation to retake Houthi-held territory as the Iran-backed group advances near Taiz and Bab el-Mandeb

Yemen launches major offensive to retake Houthi-held territory

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) said the Houthis have chosen a path of “chaos and destruction” in Yemen. His remarks come amid continued concerns over Yemen’s security, regional tensions and the humanitarian impact of the prolonged conflict.

MBS: Houthis have chosen chaos and destruction in Yemen

Tensions are climbing along the Red Sea coast. The Houthis say a Saudi-backed strike hit a residence in Yemen and killed four people, a claim they pin on Riyadh. At the same time, US Secretary of State Rubio sat down with the Saudi foreign minister in Washington while the Houthi fight continues. Here's what each side is saying and why this moment matters for the region, shipping and diplomacy.


Red sea tensions rise: Houthis say Saudi-backed strike killed four in Yemen

Fighting in Yemen is intensifying, and Saudi Arabia has issued alerts as tensions rise. Yemen's Saudi-backed leader has called for general mobilisation against the Houthis, urging the country to join the fight. The question now is whether ordinary Yemenis will answer that call. We look at what's driving the escalation, what mobilisation could mean on the ground, and what comes next. Watch the full breakdown, and tell us in the comments what you think happens now.


Yemen's war escalates: Saudi coalition says drones headed for Riyadh intercepted 

Yemen's war escalates: Saudi-backed leader calls for general mobilisation against the Houthis

The government of Yemen is seeking US military support in its fight against the Houthis, revealed a senior Yemeni official as the Iranian-backed rebels rapidly expand their control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and threaten another critical Middle East waterway for global energy supplies.&nbsp;Yemen’s President, Rashad al-Alimi, conveyed the request for US assistance to President Donald Trump in a call this week, Abdullah Al-Alimi Bawazir, vice president of the Yemeni Leadership Council, told reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.&nbsp;Replying to a query on reports of Trump making no direct pledge of military support, Bawazir said he was unaware that the request had been rejected.&nbsp;He said that Trump understands the danger because of the Houthis and added, “We hope and expect more support for the Yemeni government in the face of the Houthi militias.”&nbsp;“We do not ask the American soldiers to actually go into war on our behalf,” he said. “And we don’t really request that they do nothing.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-suspends-all-iranian-airline-flights-as-us-sanctions-come-into-effect-1790257853561">UAE suspends all Iranian airline flights as US sanctions come into effect</a>&nbsp;Yemen looks forward to “mutual coordination on the intel and security fields,” said Bawazir, who requested that the US enhance the Yemeni government’s own military capacity to take on the threat.&nbsp;“The aerial campaigns are important,” he said. “But supporting the Yemeni government and forces on the ground is indeed a guarantor to end the danger of those militias.”&nbsp;Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since 2014, when the Houthis drove the government out of the capital city, Sanaa, and ignited a regional proxy war, with Saudi Arabia supporting the exiled government against the Iranian-backed armed rebels.&nbsp;In their latest military campaign, the Houthis have advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline with the aim of cutting off the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which has become a critical waterway for Saudi Arabia to transport oil after Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-issues-potential-danger-warning-for-mecca-second-time-in-a-month-1790252705272">Saudi Arabia issues ‘potential danger’ warning for Mecca, second time in a month</a>&nbsp;Saudi Arabia, a critical US ally in the Middle East, has urged Washington to take military action against the Houthis, who escalated their actions by launching an attack on the Saudi capital, Riyadh.&nbsp;So far, US support has been limited to providing intelligence and targeting data.&nbsp;Trump has said that the Houthis, which the US designates as a terrorist organisation, don’t want to fight the US and “they don’t want us to go after them.”&nbsp;“They’ve called and they’ve talked to us, and they don’t want us to. They would much prefer not having us involved, and they’re letting most ships go through,” Trump said.

Yemen’s President, Rashad al-Alimi, conveyed the request for US military assistance to President Donald Trump in a call this week. Yemen requested that the US enhance the Yemeni government’s military capacity so that it can tackle the threat.

The government of Yemen is seeking US military support in its fight against the Houthis, revealed a senior Yemeni official as the Iranian-backed rebels rapidly expand their control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and threaten another critical Middle East waterway for global energy supplies. Yemen’s President, Rashad al-Alimi, conveyed the request for US assistance to President Donald Trump in a call this week, Abdullah Al-Alimi Bawazir, vice president of the Yemeni Leadership Council, told reporters on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Replying to a query on reports of Trump making no direct pledge of military support, Bawazir said he was unaware that the request had been rejected. He said that Trump understands the danger because of the Houthis and added, “We hope and expect more support for the Yemeni government in the face of the Houthi militias.” “We do not ask the American soldiers to actually go into war on our behalf,” he said. “And we don’t really request that they do nothing.” Also Read: UAE suspends all Iranian airline flights as US sanctions come into effect Yemen looks forward to “mutual coordination on the intel and security fields,” said Bawazir, who requested that the US enhance the Yemeni government’s own military capacity to take on the threat. “The aerial campaigns are important,” he said. “But supporting the Yemeni government and forces on the ground is indeed a guarantor to end the danger of those militias.” Yemen has been embroiled in conflict since 2014, when the Houthis drove the government out of the capital city, Sanaa, and ignited a regional proxy war, with Saudi Arabia supporting the exiled government against the Iranian-backed armed rebels. In their latest military campaign, the Houthis have advanced along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline with the aim of cutting off the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which has become a critical waterway for Saudi Arabia to transport oil after Iran effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read: Saudi Arabia issues ‘potential danger’ warning for Mecca, second time in a month Saudi Arabia, a critical US ally in the Middle East, has urged Washington to take military action against the Houthis, who escalated their actions by launching an attack on the Saudi capital, Riyadh. So far, US support has been limited to providing intelligence and targeting data. Trump has said that the Houthis, which the US designates as a terrorist organisation, don’t want to fight the US and “they don’t want us to go after them.” “They’ve called and they’ve talked to us, and they don’t want us to. They would much prefer not having us involved, and they’re letting most ships go through,” Trump said.

Yemen’s President, Rashad al-Alimi, conveyed the request for US military assistance to President Donald Trump in a call this week. Yemen requested that the US enhance the Yemeni government’s military capacity so that it can tackle the threat.

Yemen called Trump for US military support in fight against Houthis: Official

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces claimed to have taken full control of strategic Mount Qarfan in the western governorate of Taiz. The site was seized during a war with Iran-aligned Houthi fighters with the assistance of local fighters on Tuesday, the Yemen Armed Forces Media Centre said in a statement. Major General Abdulaziz al-Majidi, the chief of staff for the Taiz military axis, stated that troops engaged in “fierce battles” with Houthi rebels, and claimed the lives of five Houthi fighters, wounding 20 and achieving the “restoration of control” of the mountain. By capturing Mount Qarfan, Yemen's government forces would gain a strong tactical advantage, commanding both firepower and surveillance over the valleys stretching between the ash-Shamaytaun and al-Waziiya districts in the southern Taiz governorate. The Houthis have not yet responded to the government's claim. These clashes are unfolding against the backdrop of intensifying fighting across Yemen, fuelled further by rising regional tensions stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-heads-to-washington-for-trump-talks-trade-ai-taiwan-and-iran-on-the-agenda-1790164264702">Xi Jinping heads to Washington for Trump talks: Trade, AI, Taiwan and Iran on the agenda</a><h3>Houthis' control over Yemen's Red Sea coastline</h3>Earlier this month, the Houthis seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline, including the port city of Mocha, and have since pushed to advance into the Kahboub Mountains spanning Taiz and Lahj governorates. Should they gain control of these strategically important heights, which overlook the Bab al-Mandeb strait and Mayyun Island in the Red Sea, the Houthis would be positioned to cut off the coast entirely from the remaining areas still under government control in the south.&nbsp;“The mountains are the natural wall that protects the Houthis’ rear on the coast. Controlling them would cut the coast off from the government-held south and place direct pressure on Lahj and, in the longer term, Aden,” Al Jazeera quoted Faozi Al-Goidi, a visiting fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs as saying.

The Houthis have not yet responded to the government's claim. These clashes are unfolding against the backdrop of intensifying fighting across Yemen, fuelled further by rising regional tensions stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces claimed to have taken full control of strategic Mount Qarfan in the western governorate of Taiz. The site was seized during a war with Iran-aligned Houthi fighters with the assistance of local fighters on Tuesday, the Yemen Armed Forces Media Centre said in a statement. Major General Abdulaziz al-Majidi, the chief of staff for the Taiz military axis, stated that troops engaged in “fierce battles” with Houthi rebels, and claimed the lives of five Houthi fighters, wounding 20 and achieving the “restoration of control” of the mountain. By capturing Mount Qarfan, Yemen's government forces would gain a strong tactical advantage, commanding both firepower and surveillance over the valleys stretching between the ash-Shamaytaun and al-Waziiya districts in the southern Taiz governorate. The Houthis have not yet responded to the government's claim. These clashes are unfolding against the backdrop of intensifying fighting across Yemen, fuelled further by rising regional tensions stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Also read: Xi Jinping heads to Washington for Trump talks: Trade, AI, Taiwan and Iran on the agenda Houthis' control over Yemen's Red Sea coastline Earlier this month, the Houthis seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline, including the port city of Mocha, and have since pushed to advance into the Kahboub Mountains spanning Taiz and Lahj governorates. Should they gain control of these strategically important heights, which overlook the Bab al-Mandeb strait and Mayyun Island in the Red Sea, the Houthis would be positioned to cut off the coast entirely from the remaining areas still under government control in the south. “The mountains are the natural wall that protects the Houthis’ rear on the coast. Controlling them would cut the coast off from the government-held south and place direct pressure on Lahj and, in the longer term, Aden,” Al Jazeera quoted Faozi Al-Goidi, a visiting fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs as saying.

The Houthis have not yet responded to the government's claim. These clashes are unfolding against the backdrop of intensifying fighting across Yemen, fuelled further by rising regional tensions stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Yemen’s Saudi-backed government forces claim full control of strategic 'Mount Qarfan' in Taiz

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to a Saudi request for "defensive" military support, specifically air-to-air refueling, as Houthi attacks on the kingdom intensify. Speaking en route to the UN General Assembly, Burnham confirmed the decision followed advice from his defence and foreign secretaries. The move comes after Houthis claimed strikes on Saudi airstrikes killed six people, while separately claiming Saudi forces hit the Red Sea port of Mokha, which Houthis captured earlier this month.


UK PM Burnham agrees to 'defensive' military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthis 

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi movement have escalated sharply after the Houthis claimed missile and drone attacks on sensitive sites in Riyadh and facilities linked to energy giant Aramco in Yanbu. Flames and thick black smoke were seen near Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, while Saudi authorities reported intercepting a ballistic missile aimed at the capital. The latest exchange marks a major escalation in the conflict and raises fresh concerns over regional stability and global energy security.


Saudi vs Houthis: Houthis claim missiles & drones used in attack on key Saudi sites

Massive crowds gathered in Yemen’s capital Sanaa on September 18 for a Million-Man Rally. Protesters rejected Saudi claims that Houthi forces targeted Mecca and called for an end to the ongoing blockade.

Thousands rally in Sanaa against blockade and Mecca claims

US President Donald Trump says he is approaching a “big decision” over the next phase of the Iran war. Trump has indicated he is weighing whether to resume large-scale military action against Iran. His remarks come ahead of planned talks with leaders from six Gulf nations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Trump has also said Iran wants a deal, but that Tehran is not yet ready. The latest developments come as Washington weighs military action alongside diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.


Houthis and Saudi Arabia trade fresh attacks as Trump weighs next big decision on Iran

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply as the United States engages in quiet backchannel diplomacy with Yemen's Houthi rebels while Saudi Arabia reels from unprecedented missile and drone attacks.


Saudi vs Houthis: Riyadh claims to have shot Houthi drone targeting Mecca

The Houthis have made a major advance along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, capturing the strategic port city of Mocha (Mokha) and moving closer to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The development could give the Iran-backed group greater leverage over a key route linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider global shipping network. 

Houthi missiles and drones now threaten Red Sea shipping 

The Saudi-Houthi conflict has taken a dramatic turn; air raid sirens sounded in Mecca, Islam's holiest city, for the first time since 2017. Saudi Arabia says it intercepted a Houthi drone before it reached Mecca's airspace, a claim the Houthis dismissed as a "worn-out lie," insisting they never targeted the city and blaming Riyadh for launching dozens of strikes across Yemen. Adding to the chaos, the East-West Pipeline remains disrupted after a drone attack, putting 4 million barrels a day at risk.


Saudi vs Houthis: Houthis deny targeting 'Mecca', blame Riyadh for 52 strikes in Yemen

Iran says the Houthis make their own decisions based on their interests, highlighting the complex relationship between Tehran and the Houthi movement in Yemen. 

Iran: Houthis make their decisions based on their own interests

Arab states in the Gulf called off a scheduled meeting with Iran today to discuss potential routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei said that the meeting was cancelled at the request of Riyadh. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels made remarkable progress along the Red Sea Coast last week. They also launched an attack on Saudi Arabia on Monday.“The report that Saudi Arabia requested that the meeting not be held for now is correct,” said Baghei, according to Iran's state media IRNA. He rejected linking it to the problems in Yemen, suggesting that the problem in Yemen has “long-standing roots.” He also denied claims that the attack on the Saudi East- West pipeline from Iraqi territory has links to Iran, accusing the US of widening the rift that already exists among the regional countries.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-declaration-us-tariffs-india-trump-russia-iran-1789323642225">Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS?</a><h2>Clashes continue between Houthis and Yemen govt forces</h2>The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah (supporters of God), said in a statement on Monday that they have launched an attack on Saudi Arabia, using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. The group said that the attack targeted “military facilities and infrastructure, including aircraft hangars, radar installations, runways, ammunition depots and other targets at King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait,” in Saudi Arabia. It said the attacks were a response to the more than 300 airstrikes in Yemen over five days.&nbsp;Most recent reports from Al Jazeera suggest that Yemen's internationally recognised government forces have progressed in western Taiz after repelling an attack from the Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gulf states have cancelled a scheduled meeting with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz as clashes continue in Yemen and Houthis launch an attack on Saudi Arabia.

Arab states in the Gulf called off a scheduled meeting with Iran today to discuss potential routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei said that the meeting was cancelled at the request of Riyadh. Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi rebels made remarkable progress along the Red Sea Coast last week. They also launched an attack on Saudi Arabia on Monday. “The report that Saudi Arabia requested that the meeting not be held for now is correct,” said Baghei, according to Iran's state media IRNA. He rejected linking it to the problems in Yemen, suggesting that the problem in Yemen has “long-standing roots.” He also denied claims that the attack on the Saudi East- West pipeline from Iraqi territory has links to Iran, accusing the US of widening the rift that already exists among the regional countries. Also Read: Did India risk its US trade deal despite softer stance at BRICS? Clashes continue between Houthis and Yemen govt forces The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah (supporters of God), said in a statement on Monday that they have launched an attack on Saudi Arabia, using dozens of ballistic missiles and drones. The group said that the attack targeted “military facilities and infrastructure, including aircraft hangars, radar installations, runways, ammunition depots and other targets at King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait,” in Saudi Arabia. It said the attacks were a response to the more than 300 airstrikes in Yemen over five days. Most recent reports from Al Jazeera suggest that Yemen's internationally recognised government forces have progressed in western Taiz after repelling an attack from the Houthis.

Gulf states have cancelled a scheduled meeting with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz as clashes continue in Yemen and Houthis launch an attack on Saudi Arabia.

Gulf states cancel Iran meeting amid Yemen tensions; Houthis launch attack on Saudi Arabia

The conflict in Yemen has intensified after Houthi rebels launched a drone-and-missile attack on a military base in southern Saudi Arabia. The strike reportedly targeted a weapons depot, while Saudi Civil Defence said a mosque in Jazan was also hit. In response, Yemeni government forces carried out multiple air strikes against Houthi positions. The latest escalation underscores growing security concerns along the Saudi-Yemen border and raises fears of a wider regional confrontation.


Saudi vs Houthis: Trump says Houthis don't want us to intervene in Yemen 

Saudi vs Houthis: Saudi's civil defence says Houthis targeted mosque in Jazan

Long before "mocha" meant espresso blended with chocolate, it referred exclusively to Al-Mukha—a bustling port city on Yemen’s Red Sea coast. From the 15th to the 17th centuries, Mocha held a near-monopoly on the global coffee trade. Local Sufi monks popularized brewed coffee for night prayers, and merchants carefully guarded fertile beans, exporting only roasted or boiled seeds to prevent cultivation elsewhere.


Coffee bean trade by the Red Sea harbour

Saudi Aramco is assessing damage after a reported fresh strike on its Jizan oil complex near the Yemen border. The extent of damage and impact on production remain unclear, with no group claiming responsibility so far.


Houthis & Saudi backed forces launch major offensives

Houthis launch missile Salvo on Saudi Arabia, Aramco oil facilities hit

In yet another deadly escalation in West Asia with far-reaching implications for the entire world, the fight over another global waterway the Bab al-Mandeb strait, has intensified. Clashes between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and government forces have reportedly killed 120 since Thursday.


Fierce battle for Bab al-Mandeb strait kills 120, houthis seek control over Red Sea strait 

Houthi forces fired 14 ballistic missiles along with drone attacks at government-held areas in Yemen's Taiz and Hodeidah provinces, targeting the western Red Sea coast. Yemeni forces say the drones were shot down using newly acquired air defences, while the ballistic missiles caused no impact on the ground. Ground clashes continue nearby. The Iran-backed group has yet to publicly respond to the reported outcome. Here's the latest on Yemen's escalating western-front conflict.


West Asia war: Houthis fire 14 ballistic missiles at Yemen's own west coast, defences hold the line

Houthis launch fresh ballistic missile attacks on targets in Yemen as fighting escalates. Yemeni forces say they have shot down several Houthi drones amid the latest clashes. Watch the full video to know more on this.


Houthis target Yemen with ballistic missiles, Yemeni army downs several drones

The Houthis are projecting a new form of sea power in the Red Sea, relying not on large warships but on missiles, drones and asymmetric tactics. Their attacks and threats against commercial vessels have disrupted shipping through one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, raising costs and forcing some vessels to reroute. The campaign has highlighted how non-state actors can challenge global trade routes using relatively low-cost technology, reshaping maritime security calculations across the Middle East.

Houthis disrupt shipping through critical maritime chokepoint 

Pirates Hijack Vessels Off Yemen and Somalia: Maritime security forces are responding to a disturbing resurgence of piracy in the Horn of Africa after armed groups seized two commercial vessels in separate attacks. According to reports, a total of 22 Indian nationals are among the captive crew members. The first incident involved the Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker M.T. Sibu 1 (also known as the Seamull), which was boarded by six armed pirates in the Gulf of Aden roughly 30 nautical miles off the Yemeni coast.

India's Kenya mission: all seafarers are safe

Pirates Hijack Vessels Off Yemen and Somalia: Maritime security forces are responding to a disturbing resurgence of piracy in the Horn of Africa after armed groups seized two commercial vessels in separate attacks. According to reports, a total of 22 Indian nationals are among the captive crew members. The first incident involved the Eritrea-flagged oil products tanker M.T. Sibu 1 (also known as the Seamull), which was boarded by six armed pirates in the Gulf of Aden roughly 30 nautical miles off the Yemeni coast.


Breaking | Reports: Pirates hijack 2 ships with 22 Indians off Yemen & Somalia

Yemen's Houthi rebels are once again drawing global attention to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints. The group has threatened to target vessels passing through the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruptions to global trade and energy supplies. The warning comes after Iran's move to shut the Strait of Hormuz during its conflict with the United States, prompting comparisons between the two critical routes.


Houthis threaten key global shipping route, eye Bab-el-Mandeb as new pressure point

Yemen's government on Wednesday warned that the Iran-backed Houthis are preparing to seize land along the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which would allow them to threaten the vital shipping artery. According to Yemen's Information Minister, Moammar al-Eryani, the outfit is planning to build a foothold along the Red Sea coast.&nbsp;"The Houthi militia … is working to create the conditions for seizing control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by expanding its presence along the western coast and attempting to control strategic Yemeni islands in the Red Sea," said Moammar al-Eryani.Al-Eryani highlighted the military buildup by the Houthis, noting that the group has demonstrated its capabilities through “repeated targeting of ports, docks, civilian infrastructure, ships, and government naval capabilities.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gadi-eisenkot-yashar-overtakes-netanyahu-likud-israel-poll-1787151673819">Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll</a>Yemeni Military officials stationed near the waterway have confirmed the Houthi advance towards the coastal area. Yemeni military officials state that the Houthis are heavily targeting the port city of Mokha. Major-General Sadeq Duwaid, spokesman for the government-affiliated National Resistance Forces controlling the adjacent area of the Strait, has told AFP that Houthi forces are trying to secure ground.&nbsp;"Through their continued attacks on Mokha and its port, the Houthi militia seeks to establish a presence along the shores of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and transform the area into a situation resembling that of the Strait of Hormuz," Major-General Duwaid told AFP.The Houthi rebels already control major northern ports in Yemen, most notably the critical port city of Hodeidah further up the Red Sea coast, but they do not have a foothold near the coastal territories or ports located directly on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yemen has warned that Iran-backed Houthis are seeking to expand their presence along the Red Sea coast and gain control of strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen's government on Wednesday warned that the Iran-backed Houthis are preparing to seize land along the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which would allow them to threaten the vital shipping artery. According to Yemen's Information Minister, Moammar al-Eryani, the outfit is planning to build a foothold along the Red Sea coast. "The Houthi militia … is working to create the conditions for seizing control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait by expanding its presence along the western coast and attempting to control strategic Yemeni islands in the Red Sea," said Moammar al-Eryani. Al-Eryani highlighted the military buildup by the Houthis, noting that the group has demonstrated its capabilities through “repeated targeting of ports, docks, civilian infrastructure, ships, and government naval capabilities.” Also Read: Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar overtakes Netanyahu’s Likud in latest Israel poll Yemeni Military officials stationed near the waterway have confirmed the Houthi advance towards the coastal area. Yemeni military officials state that the Houthis are heavily targeting the port city of Mokha. Major-General Sadeq Duwaid, spokesman for the government-affiliated National Resistance Forces controlling the adjacent area of the Strait, has told AFP that Houthi forces are trying to secure ground. "Through their continued attacks on Mokha and its port, the Houthi militia seeks to establish a presence along the shores of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and transform the area into a situation resembling that of the Strait of Hormuz," Major-General Duwaid told AFP. The Houthi rebels already control major northern ports in Yemen, most notably the critical port city of Hodeidah further up the Red Sea coast, but they do not have a foothold near the coastal territories or ports located directly on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen has warned that Iran-backed Houthis are seeking to expand their presence along the Red Sea coast and gain control of strategic areas near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Yemen warns Houthis seek foothold near Bab el-Mandeb Strait

#gravitas An Israeli air force officer has been arrested on suspicion of using sensitive information to place bets on polymarket, including wagers tied to Israeli military strikes in Iran and Yemen. 

Israeli air force officer caught betting on next bombing on Iran, Yemen 

Yemen's strategic Mokha port has suspended all commercial and maritime operations after being battered by more than 25 Houthi missiles in recent days, killing seven people and causing an estimated $16 million in damage. Mokha sits near the vital Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key global shipping chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The attacks come as Iran-backed Houthis escalate strikes on Yemen's government-held areas and Saudi Arabia amid the wider Iran conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz also effectively shut down, pushing more global shipping risk onto this already fragile route.


Yemen's Mokha Port suspends operations after 25+ Houthi missiles, 7 dead

yemen

Yemen, News on Yemen, stories on Yemen, articles on Yemen, Yemen stories at Wion, Yemen news, Yemen latest news

yemen

Yemen launches major offensive to retake Houthi-held territory

MBS: Houthis have chosen chaos and destruction in Yemen

Red sea tensions rise: Houthis say Saudi-backed strike killed four in Yemen

Yemen's war escalates: Saudi coalition says drones headed for Riyadh intercepted

Yemen's war escalates: Saudi-backed leader calls for general mobilisation against the Houthis

Yemen called Trump for US military support in fight against Houthis: Official

Yemen government forces claim full control of strategic 'Mount Qarfan' in Taiz

UK PM Burnham agrees to 'defensive' military support for Saudi Arabia against Houthis

Saudi vs Houthis: Houthis claim missiles & drones used in attack on key Saudi sites

Thousands rally in Sanaa against blockade and Mecca claims

Houthis and Saudi Arabia trade fresh attacks as Trump weighs next big decision on Iran

Saudi vs Houthis: Riyadh claims to have shot Houthi drone targeting Mecca

Houthi missiles and drones now threaten Red Sea shipping

Saudi vs Houthis: Houthis deny targeting 'Mecca', blame Riyadh for 52 strikes in Yemen

Iran: Houthis make their decisions based on their own interests

Gulf states cancel Iran meeting, Houthis launch attack on Saudi Arabia

Saudi vs Houthis: Trump says Houthis don't want us to intervene in Yemen

Saudi vs Houthis: Saudi's civil defence says Houthis targeted mosque in Jazan

Coffee bean trade by the Red Sea harbour

Houthis & Saudi backed forces launch major offensives

Houthis launch missile Salvo on Saudi Arabia, Aramco oil facilities hit

Fierce battle for Bab al-Mandeb strait kills 120, houthis seek control over Red Sea strait

West Asia war: Houthis fire 14 ballistic missiles at Yemen's own west coast, defences hold the line

Houthis target Yemen with ballistic missiles, Yemeni army downs several drones

Houthis disrupt shipping through critical maritime chokepoint

India's Kenya mission: all seafarers are safe