Houthi advance boosts Iran’s leverage over the US and Saudi Arabia – but may cost rebel group its legitimacy back in Yemen

Seizure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait complicates a widening conflict in the Persian Gulf. It also risks reigniting Yemen’s civil war.

By: Mahad D. Darar, Colorado State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 17, 2026

Words: 1,532

Last Updated: 20 hours, 56 minutes ago

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By Mahad D. Darar, Colorado State University

It took just a few days for Houthi forces to seize most of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including the shores of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial Red Sea maritime choke point.

The offensive started on Sept. 3, 2026, with a push to cut the strategically important road linking the city of Taiz to the port of Mokha. By Sept. 11, Mokha, the town of Dhubab …

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