Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Yemen Clashes Near Bab al-Mandeb Leave At Least 80 Dead
Fighting has grown worse in Yemen’s Taiz area.
The two sides are Houthi forces and troops supporting Yemen’s government.
Reports say at least 80 fighters were killed in one day.
The two sides gave different numbers for government casualties.
Houthi forces have captured much of the nearby Red Sea coast.
They have not captured Taiz city itself.
The area is close to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, an important route for ships and energy supplies.
The United Nations warned that civilians and important buildings could be harmed.
At least 80 combatants were reportedly killed in 24 hours of clashes near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The fighting intensified in Taiz as Houthi forces attacked Saudi-backed government troops.
Houthi sources reported 55 government fighters killed, while government sources reported 26 troop deaths.
The Houthis have captured parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline but have not taken Taiz city.
The United Nations warned that the fighting poses grave risks to civilians and infrastructure.
- Who
- Houthi forces and Saudi-backed troops supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
- What
- At least 80 combatants were reportedly killed in intensified clashes, while the Houthis continued an offensive around Taiz.
- When
- Over the past 24 hours, according to sources cited by AFP on Friday; the UN warning was issued Thursday.
- Where
- Taiz governorate in Yemen, near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and areas of the Red Sea coast.
- Why
- The fighting is part of a Houthi offensive against the Saudi-backed government and the struggle for control of territory around Taiz and Yemen’s western coast.
Houthi Sources
Government Sources
Reported government casualties
Houthi Sources
Houthi military sources said 55 fighters from the government side were killed during the previous day’s fighting around Taiz.
Government Sources
Government sources said 26 of their troops had died.
Control of territory
Houthi Sources
Houthi forces have captured swathes of territory, including parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Government Sources
The government still holds Taiz city and is based in Aden; the Houthis have not captured Taiz city.
- Reported deaths
- At least 80 combatants in the past 24 hours
- Houthi casualty claim
- 55 government-side fighters killed
- Government casualty claim
- 26 troops killed
- Main battleground
- Taiz governorate
- Strategic location
- The Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a major route for global shipping and energy flows
- Territorial development
- The Houthis have seized much of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline but not Taiz city
- UN concern
- The UN warned of grave risks to civilians and civilian infrastructure