Houthis seize Red Sea chokepoint, widening Yemen war and threatening global oil supply
Houthis captured Mocha and Perim, taking control of the Bab al-Mandeb strait, while Iraq-based militias hit Saudi Arabia's east-west pipeline, expanding the Yemen conflict and tightening oil markets.
A rapid Houthi assault on Yemen’s western coastline captured the strategic port city of Mocha and Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandeb, securing a vital Red Sea shipping lane. Simultaneously, Iraq-based militias carried out a drone strike that forced the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s east-west oil pipeline, further disrupting energy flows. The combined actions have widened the Yemen civil war, added pressure on Saudi Arabia, and contributed to oil prices climbing above $100 per barrel, raising global fuel cost concerns.
Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, already stalled, have hit an impasse as the new front complicates negotiations. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought U.S. military support, but President Donald Trump signaled no intention to intervene, leaving Saudi Arabia to consider invoking its defence pact with Pakistan and Turkiye. The situation underscores the growing “axis of resistance” led by Iran and its allies, now able to threaten both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb, tightening the squeeze on global oil supplies.
Why it matters
The expanded conflict threatens key maritime chokepoints, driving oil prices higher and risking broader economic instability.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Houthi strikes wound dozens in Saudi cities as coalition vows retaliation
- Sep 14 In a post on X, the European Commission President condemned the Houthi assault on Saudi and American military sites, calling it an act of aggression. She stressed that the EU will continue cooperating with Gulf partners to ensure secure, free shipping through the Hormuz Strait. The statement also highlighted the broader goal of Middle-East stability, which the EU views as a shared interest. The Houthi group claimed to have launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, citing retaliation for Saudi air strikes in Yemen. Saudi officials responded by ordering air patrols in several southern regions.
- Sep 14 The displacement figure has risen to nearly 86,000.
- Sep 15 Houthi forces reported seizing the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands.
- Sep 15 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi in Cairo to discuss Red Sea navigation and retaliation against the Houthis.
- Sep 16 Saudi civil defense issued emergency shelter warnings for Jeddah, Mecca and Taif.
- Sep 16 Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone aimed at Mecca and accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of the plot, which the rebels denied.
- Sep 16 Saudi coalition announced a drone it said was Houthi‑linked was heading toward Mecca and triggered a brief security alert.
- Sep 16 Houthis seized coastal towns and islands at the mouth of the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- Sep 18 Since the earlier report of 86,000 displaced, the UN now says over 112,000 have been forced from their homes.
- Sep 19 Washington met Houthi envoys in Oman and secured assurances that American vessels would not be targeted.
- Sep 19 The Saudi Directorate of Civil Defence said the danger has passed in Riyadh and al‑Kharj and urged residents to continue following its instructions and avoid gathering or filming.
- Sep 19 The Houthis announced new missile and drone strikes on Riyadh and Yanbu.
- Sep 20 Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed a Saudi F‑15 was shot down.
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