Yemen's fragmented frontlines see new Houthi advances and rising displacement

Late September 2026 saw Houthi troops capture the port city of Mocha after the National Resistance Forces pulled back, followed by rapid advances into Dhubab and Mayyun Island, giving them control of Yemen's Red Sea coast. UNICEF estimated that about 130,000 people, including 71,000 children, were displaced within three weeks of the fighting. In response, the internationally recognised government launched a major offensive, reporting the recapture of positions around Dhubab, Bab al-Mandeb, and mountain areas in western Taiz and Haifan, as well as advances near Marib.

However, government forces also lost territory in Taiz governorate, leading to a siege of the city. The escalation prompted Saudi Arabia to seek support from Pakistan and Turkiye. Throughout the period, humanitarian conditions worsened, with over 200,000 people displaced by early October and increased air strikes on both sides.