Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Saudi Arabia, Egypt Seek Secure Strait Passage Amid Houthi Escalation
Saudi Arabia and Egypt want ships to move safely through two important waterways.
One of them is the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects the Red Sea to wider shipping routes.
The Houthis now control Yemen’s Red Sea coast and say they are blocking Saudi ships.
Saudi Arabia says it will respond firmly to attacks on its territory.
A Saudi-led coalition said missile and drone attacks wounded 13 civilians.
The Houthis say Saudi Arabia carried out dozens of airstrikes in Yemen and hit civilian places.
The fighting has forced about 100,000 people to leave their homes inside Yemen.
Egypt is worried because ships using the Red Sea help bring money through the Suez Canal.
Both sides’ actions could make shipping in the region more difficult and costly.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for free and secure navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis reportedly seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait while targeting Saudi-linked shipping.
Saudi Arabia warned of a firm response after missile and drone attacks wounded 13 civilians, according to a Saudi-led coalition.
The Houthis accused Saudi Arabia of conducting 52 airstrikes in Yemen, including attacks on schools and bridges.
The renewed conflict has displaced about 100,000 people and threatens Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues and regional shipping.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Houthi movement, and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces are involved.
- What
- Saudi Arabia and Egypt demanded secure maritime passage as fighting and attacks linked to the Houthis intensified around the Red Sea.
- When
- The demands and warnings were reported on Tuesday, September 16, 2026; the renewed fighting began after Yemen’s civil war reignited in July.
- Where
- The main waterways and affected areas are the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The countries cited threats to shipping, Saudi security, crude exports, and Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Houthi Movement
Maritime navigation
Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Saudi Arabia and Egypt say navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Strait of Hormuz must remain free and secure.
Houthi Movement
The Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia and said there is no threat to navigation in the Bab al-Mandab except for Saudi vessels.
Military action
Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Saudi Arabia says Houthi attacks threaten its security, and the Saudi-led coalition has vowed a firm response and necessary operational measures.
Houthi Movement
The Houthis say Saudi Arabia carried out 52 airstrikes in Yemen, including attacks on civilian sites such as schools and bridges.
Responsibility for escalation
Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Saudi Arabia and its coalition describe the Houthi approach as hostile and say action is needed to protect the Kingdom.
Houthi Movement
Houthi official Hazem al-Assad said the group’s response will continue and escalate while Saudi Arabia maintains military action.
- Main demand
- Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for freedom and security of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Strait of Hormuz.
- Houthi control
- The Houthis reportedly seized Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Saudi response
- A Saudi-led coalition vowed to take all necessary operational measures to protect Saudi sovereignty.
- Reported civilian casualties
- The Saudi-led coalition said missile and drone attacks wounded 13 civilians.
- Houthi allegation
- Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree said Saudi Arabia carried out 52 airstrikes in Yemen over 24 hours.
- Displacement
- The United Nations said the renewed fighting has internally displaced about 100,000 people.
- Suez Canal revenues
- Egypt’s canal revenues are around half their level before Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping began in 2023.