Yemen's government forces have engaged in significant combat with Houthi fighters near the Red Sea port city of Mocha, according to military officials. State news agency Saba reported that government troops successfully destroyed Houthi vehicles and weaponry while killing several fighters during the operation in and around the city. In response, the Houthi movement claimed that Saudi aircraft conducted 129 air strikes against regions under their control during the last 48 hours.
This escalation follows a week-long Houthi offensive that allowed the group to capture the remaining parts of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and strategic islands. This territorial gain has effectively solidified Houthi control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime passage that has become essential for Saudi oil shipments as Gulf routes face disruptions. The Houthis have publicly declared an active blockade against Saudi Red Sea ports.
The violence has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. The UN migration agency confirmed that 76,000 people have been displaced since July, with the number of those fleeing surging fourfold over the past week. Many residents fleeing the fall of Mocha reported being given only thirty minutes to evacuate their homes, leaving them to arrive in Aden—the temporary government base—without access to basic shelter or supplies. UN officials have warned that the scale of humanitarian need is rapidly outpacing the available relief resources.
Cross-border tensions also intensified on Saturday, when Saudi authorities reported that a Houthi projectile struck near the southern border, causing injuries to two people and inflicting damage on a mosque, civilian vehicles, and nearby buildings.
Diplomatic efforts to address the conflict have seen setbacks. Axios reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested American air strikes against the Houthis in two separate calls with US President Donald Trump last week; however, Washington declined the request. President Trump confirmed the discussions, stating the Houthis "don't want to fight with us" and expressing optimism that the situation would resolve itself. Since the current wave of fighting began in July, more than 500 people have been killed, threatening to end years of relative calm in the region.
