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    Houthis Capture Hanish Islands and Launch Attacks on Saudi Arabia

    Section editor: ·Low4 articles covering this·4 news sources·Updated 2 hours ago·MENA
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    Map highlighting the Hanish Islands and their strategic importance in the Red Sea.

    What happened

    On September 15, 2026, Houthi militants seized the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands and launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi cities.

    The Context

    • Escalation of conflict: The Houthis have intensified their territorial gains in Yemen, capturing key coastal positions and threatening Saudi Arabia's oil exports.
    • Strategic chokepoint: Control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait is crucial for global shipping, making these developments significant for international trade.
    • Regional implications: The ongoing Iran-US tensions and Saudi Arabia's rerouting of oil exports due to the Strait of Hormuz closure amplify the stakes for energy markets.

    The Number

    13

    civilians were injured in Houthi attacks on Saudi cities, highlighting the immediate human cost of this escalating conflict.

    Takeaway

    Expect further military actions and potential disruptions in oil supply chains as the situation develops.

    4 Articles
    France 24

    Houthis seize Red Sea islands, attack Saudi targets

    Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have intensified their military campaign by seizing the strategic islands of Greater and Lesser Hanish in the southern Red Sea, alongside launching attacks on Saudi targets. This escalation, claimed by the Houthis, ...

    14 hours ago
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    Al Jazeera

    What could stop the Houthis’ advance across Yemen?

    The Iran-backed Houthi forces have made significant military advances in Yemen, seizing control of the strategic port city of Mocha and the island of Perim, which are crucial for controlling shipping routes in the Red Sea. This escalation has raised ...

    Al Jazeera

    What could stop the Houthis’ advance across Yemen?

    The Iran-backed Houthi forces have made significant military advances in Yemen, seizing control of the strategic port city of Mocha and the island of Perim, which are crucial for controlling shipping routes in the Red Sea. This escalation has raised ...

    Al-Monitor

    Houthis say Saudi Arabia launched over 50 strikes against them in 24 hours

    Yemen's Houthis reported that Saudi Arabia conducted over 50 airstrikes against their positions within a 24-hour period, following the Houthis' claim of a drone and missile attack on a military base in Saudi Arabia. This escalation comes amid renewed...

    The Guardian

    Houthis claim attack on Saudi base as fighting flares with Yemeni forces

    Houthi fighters have claimed responsibility for a drone and missile attack on a military base in southern Saudi Arabia, targeting weapons depots and command centers. This escalation coincides with the Houthis' rapid advance along Yemen's Red Sea coas...