Published on: 2026-09-11
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 10, 2026 Peace and Security
The Ansar Allah movement has seized the port city of Mocha on the western coast of Yemen, gaining direct access to the approaches to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait – one of the world’s most important maritime routes. This was reported to the Security Council on Thursday by UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg.
Mocha is located approximately 75 kilometers from the strait connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. A significant portion of global trade and energy supplies pass through this narrow maritime corridor.
According to Grundberg, fighting continues and the situation is rapidly changing. However, the Houthis’ establishment of control over the city has already caused serious concern among the international community, as the situation threatens the freedom of navigation.
“When I spoke before the Council last month, I warned that Yemen was facing the most serious threat of a return to large-scale conflict since the 2022 truce. That threat has now become a harsh reality,” the Special Envoy said.
In the past 24 hours, fighting has intensified on several fronts simultaneously, especially on the strategically important western coast. The current offensive is a continuation of the escalation that began in early September with large-scale attacks by Ansar Allah in the Taiz and Hodeidah provinces. Subsequently, the clashes spread to Marib, Al-Jawf, and Al-Bayda.
Reports are coming in about the deaths of civilians in several provinces. As a result of shelling of locations housing displaced persons in Marib, it is reported that children have died and temporary shelters have been destroyed. According to humanitarian organizations, from September 3, more than 11,400 families across the country have been forced to leave their homes – the majority of them living in Taiz and in the south of Hodeidah.
Ansar Allah also struck civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, injuring dozens of civilians. The UN condemned these attacks. Grundberg called on the movement to cease attacks both inside Yemen and on Saudi territory, as well as to desist from attacks and threats against commercial vessels.
According to the envoy, the resumption of the war has effectively put an end to the relative calm that had prevailed in Yemen for more than four years following the UN-brokered truce.
“This situation was not inevitable: the demands of the Yemenis can be discussed at the negotiating table,” Grundberg emphasized. He stated that he will continue contacts with the government of Yemen, representatives of Ansar Allah, and regional countries.
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