The Iran-backed Houthis seized control of Yemen’s entire Red Sea coast and captured three strategic islands on Friday (September 11, 2026), in a lightning offensive that cemented their hold on a vital shipping corridor linking Europe and Asia.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels take over a strategic port city in Yemen, posing a new threat to shipping The developments are likely to deepen the West Asia war’s impact on international commerce, as Saudi Arabia shut down an oil pipeline following attacks and after months of Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
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Saudi Arabia shuts down major oil pipeline, says drones launched from Iraq hit it A local official with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government said on Friday (September 11, 2026) that the Houthis had “completed their takeover of the Bab al-Mandab area and Mayyun Island”.
A government military official later reported the group had also seized Greater and Lesser Hanish, the last two islands in the narrow waterway not under their control, as well as all of the neighbouring Red Sea coastline.
“Everything that was under our control on the western coast has fallen,” the military official added.
Related Stories Iran, Saudi Arabia discuss regional 'insecurity' as Yemen fighting flares Iran takes escalation dominance | In Focus podcast Yemen rebels report fresh Saudi strikes as conflict deepens India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations A witness told AFP that gunmen were “deploying along the Bab al-Mandab shore and are driving around in military vehicles”.
The capture of the islands, particularly Mayyun in the middle of the strait, heightens the Houthis’ ability to attack Saudi tankers, which they have been targeting since July.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, has relied on the Red Sea ever since Iran’s Hormuz blockade choked off its shipments via the Gulf.
Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, congratulated the Houthis on their “resounding victory” on Friday (September 11, 2026).
Oil prices have soared past $100 a barrel this week, while average U.S. diesel prices topped $6 for the first time on Friday — a potential headache for President Donald Trump ahead of midterm elections.
“safe” for all but Saudi Arabia following the latest advances.
The Houthi offensive has killed more than 500 people, according to sources on both sides.
It has also displaced about 46,000 people, the UN migration agency said on Friday.
It is part of renewed hostilities in Yemen’s civil war that began with the group’s takeover of the capital Sanaa in 2014.
