Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Houthis Seize Red Sea Coast as Saudi Pipeline Shuts
The Middle East is facing several connected military and shipping problems.
Houthi forces in Yemen said they captured the country’s entire Red Sea coastline.
This gives them a stronger position near an important route used by ships.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government said it was bombing an area near Mocha after the city was seized.
Saudi Arabia stopped oil shipments through a major pipeline after drone attacks that it said came from Iraq.
The attacks and fighting have made ships less willing to travel through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran plans to hold a meeting in Oman about keeping shipping safe.
Separately, South Korea said North Korea launched several missiles toward the sea.
Houthi forces claimed control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline and expanded near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Saudi Arabia temporarily halted its East-West oil pipeline after drone attacks that Riyadh said originated from Iraq.
A U.S. official said an Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Jordan damaged American military aircraft.
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz reportedly fell to single-digit levels amid regional tensions.
North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea, South Korea said.
- Who
- Houthi forces, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Yemen’s internationally recognized government, and other regional actors are involved.
- What
- The Houthis claimed major territorial gains, Saudi Arabia suspended an oil pipeline, an alleged Iranian attack damaged U.S. aircraft, and shipping through Hormuz declined sharply.
- When
- The developments were reported from September 10 through September 12, 2026.
- Where
- The events occurred around Yemen’s Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, the Strait of Hormuz, Oman, and the Korean Peninsula.
- Why
- The pipeline was suspended as a precaution after attacks, while the broader disruptions reflect escalating regional military tensions and efforts to protect maritime trade.
Houthi and Saudi Accounts
Yemeni Government and Regional Responses
Control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast
Houthi and Saudi Accounts
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had seized the entire Red Sea coastline and that maritime navigation remained safe for most shipping companies except Saudi vessels.
Yemeni Government and Regional Responses
Yemen’s internationally recognized government said its forces had begun bombing a designated area near Mocha after the city was seized by the Houthis.
Attack on Saudi oil infrastructure
Houthi and Saudi Accounts
Saudi Arabia said drone attacks originated from Iraq and temporarily halted the East-West pipeline as a precaution.
Yemeni Government and Regional Responses
The available reports do not include an Iraqi government account confirming or denying responsibility for the attacks.
- Saudi pipeline
- Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its East-West oil pipeline after several attacks in the Riyadh and Medina regions.
- Attack attribution
- Saudi Arabia said the drone attacks originated from Iraq.
- Houthi territorial claim
- The Houthis said they controlled Yemen’s entire Red Sea coastline and had driven Saudi-backed forces from six districts.
- Maritime impact
- Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz fell to single-digit levels, according to shipping data.
- U.S. military damage
- A U.S. official said an Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Jordan damaged American military aircraft.
- Planned talks
- Iran said a regional shipping-security meeting would be held in Oman on Monday, with Iraq and Gulf states expected to participate.
- North Korean launches
- South Korea said North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles that traveled about 250 kilometers.