Houthis take control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, key shipping route - Al Jazeera
Houthi rebels have seized control of Yemen's entire Red Sea coastline, including key islands in the Bab al-Mandeb strait. This move threatens a critical global shipping route that serves as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
Control over this maritime chokepoint could significantly disrupt global energy shipments and international trade.
Rapid advance of Iran-backed force threatens key alternative shipping route to Strait of Hormuz.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A satellite image of Bab al-Mandeb, gateway to the Red Sea and Suez Canal [File: NASA Worldview/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and Reuters Published On 11 Sep 2026 11 Sep 2026 The Houthis have taken control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast, according to reports.
The rebel group seized the last towns on the coast in a rapid advance against the forces of the internationally recognised Yemeni government early on Friday, and has pushed onto islands in the Bab al-Mandeb strait, government sources and witnesses reported.
The advance strengthens the control of the Iran-backed Houthis over the key shipping route of Bab al-Mandeb, which links the Gulf of Aden with the Red Sea.
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