Houthis Prepare to Announce Major Military Operation Amid Red Sea Tensions

Yemen’s Houthi forces are preparing to announce what they describe as a “large-scale and significant” military operation, with Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the group’s military spokesperson, signaling the imminent reveal. The announcement is expected at 4 PM local time.

The Houthis, formally known as Ansar Allah, are a Zaydi Shia group backed by Iran that has held considerable sway in northern Yemen since ousting the internationally recognized government in a coup during 2014–2015, which triggered a Saudi-led military intervention. A UN-mediated ceasefire was largely effective until mid-2026, when violence resumed with increasing frequency.

In early August 2026, the group referenced plans for a “wide and qualitative military operation” following attacks on military targets in Marib. On September 4, 2026, Houthi forces launched a major assault in western Taiz and the Hayis district of Hodeida, deploying heavy weapons, drones, and ground troops in a coordinated push. By September 10, they had seized the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, a vital corridor through which roughly 12% of global trade passes daily.

By mid-September 2026, Houthi forces had advanced to key islands in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, marking their first major ground offensive in four years. Casualties were reported in the dozens on both sides. In response, Saudi-backed forces conducted airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, yet the Houthis successfully held Mokha and expanded their coastal footprint.

The Houthis claim their military operations are defensive responses to Saudi actions and influence in the region. Iran provides the Houthis with weapons technology, training, and strategic guidance, significantly enhancing the group’s drone and missile capabilities.

Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea have previously forced major shipping companies to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, adding weeks and significant costs to voyages between Asia and Europe. Saree’s May 6, 2026 announcement via Telegram foreshadowed the September offensive by nearly four months, indicating the group’s announcements have historically been followed by action.

New Developments in Houthi Military Operations

• Date of Seizure: On September 11, 2026, Houthi forces captured Perim Island, a strategic landmass in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
• Significance of Perim Island: The island divides the strait into two navigable channels and is crucial for monitoring maritime traffic, impacting 10-12% of global seaborne trade.
• Impact on Shipping: The Houthi takeover places their forces approximately 90 kilometers closer to the strait, reducing response times for potential attacks on vessels.
• Oil Market Reaction: Following the escalation, Brent crude and WTI prices have surpassed $100 per barrel, exacerbating existing tensions in energy markets.
• Strategic Shift: The Houthis' control of Perim Island allows them to position military assets at a critical chokepoint, altering the dynamics of naval escorts in the region.
• Recent Military Actions: The capture of Mokha on September 10 preceded the seizure of Perim Island, indicating a rapid offensive by Houthi forces.