Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Houthi Land Grabs Put Saudi Oil and Markets on Edge
The Houthis are an armed group fighting in Yemen’s long civil war.
They recently captured land and islands near a narrow sea route called Bab el-Mandeb.
Many ships use this route to carry goods around the world.
The Houthis have also attacked Saudi-linked ships and oil facilities.
This made people worry about oil supplies and fuel prices.
Saudi Arabia supports Yemen’s government and has fought the Houthis for years.
Countries including Oman, Turkey and the United States are discussing ways to reduce the fighting.
Many families have had to leave their homes, and aid groups say Yemen urgently needs more help.
Houthi rebels captured Mokha and nearby islands, reaching the Bab el-Mandeb maritime chokepoint and threatening Saudi-linked shipping.
The rebels are fighting around Marib and threatening Taiz, while appearing to consider advancing toward Yemen’s oil-rich east.
Shipping through Bab el-Mandeb initially fell from 35 to 25 daily transits but later recovered to 45, according to Windward.
Regional diplomacy has intensified, including reported U.S.-Houthi talks in Oman, but broader tensions involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States remain unresolved.
The fighting has displaced about 125,000 people, while aid agencies warn that millions could lose access to food, health care, water and protection services.
- Who
- Houthi rebels, Yemen’s Saudi-backed government, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United States and regional mediators are involved.
- What
- The Houthis have expanded their territorial control, attacked Saudi-linked shipping and facilities, and intensified Yemen’s civil war.
- When
- The latest land advance and fighting occurred over the week described in the article; the broader conflict began in 2014, and a ceasefire lasted from 2022.
- Where
- The fighting is concentrated along Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including Mokha, the Bab el-Mandeb area, Marib and Taiz; attacks have also affected Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The Houthis say they want Saudi Arabia to lift its blockade of Houthi-controlled territory and have attacked Saudi-linked targets to increase pressure.
Houthi Position
Saudi-Backed and International Position
Blockade and shipping
Houthi Position
Houthi political official Mohammed al-Bukhaiti says Saudi Arabia closed Bab el-Mandeb to shipping connected to Yemen and imposed an unjust blockade.
Saudi-Backed and International Position
Saudi Arabia and its allies view Houthi attacks on Saudi-linked ships and tankers as a security threat; analysts warn the Houthis could broaden their definition of Saudi-linked vessels.
Military response
Houthi Position
The Houthis have expanded their control along the Red Sea coast and say they are targeting Saudi shipping, while seeking greater leverage over Saudi Arabia.
Saudi-Backed and International Position
Yemen’s Saudi-backed government and allied forces are resisting the advance around Marib and other fronts, while Saudi Arabia has intercepted Houthi attacks.
Diplomatic solution
Houthi Position
The Houthis have participated in reported talks with U.S. representatives and have indicated that lifting the blockade is a central demand.
Saudi-Backed and International Position
Regional mediators are seeking de-escalation, but the article says an agreement appears unlikely without progress in the wider dispute involving Iran, U.S. sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program.
- Displaced people
- About 125,000 Yemenis have fled their homes, according to the article.
- Strategic waterway
- About 12% of world trade passes through Bab el-Mandeb in peacetime.
- Shipping traffic
- Daily transits fell from 35 to 25 after the Houthi advance, then rose to 45 on Sunday, according to Windward.
- Civilian casualties
- The U.N. humanitarian office reported eight civilians killed and 32 wounded in the latest fighting.
- Humanitarian funding
- Only 20% of the U.N. humanitarian appeal for Yemen has been funded.
- Aid warning
- The U.N. says millions risk losing access to food, health care, nutrition, water and protection services.
- Reported talks
- Oman hosted a meeting between U.S. and Houthi representatives the previous weekend, according to sources cited by The Associated Press.