Published on: 2026-09-15
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 15, 2026 Peace and Security
The situation in and around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait has become increasingly unstable in recent days. Along the western coast of Yemen, battles are taking place, as a result of which Yemeni Houthis have captured several islands in the southern part of the Red Sea. This was reported to the Security Council members by Khaled Khiari, the UN Secretary-General’s Assistant for the Middle East, Europe, America, Asia, and the Pacific region.
The Iran-backed Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, has been engaged in combat against Yemen’s government forces for over ten years, who are in turn supported by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia.
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait separates the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula from the African continent. For several years, the group has threatened to block the strait and regularly attacks commercial vessels.
Also read:
UN Envoy: Yemen has entered a new and more dangerous phase of the war
According to maritime tracking centers cited by Khiari, commercial shipping through the Red Sea is currently uninterrupted. Nevertheless, the advance of the Houthis has heightened market concerns amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, the Yemeni government is reported to have launched a counteroffensive that includes large-scale airstrikes. “Unconfirmed estimates indicate hundreds of militants [Houthis] killed in recent days,” a UN representative noted.
Consequences for the civilian population
As a result of the escalation of hostilities, civilians are suffering, Hiari noted. People are forced to leave their homes, dozens have died or been injured, and delivering aid to local residents in need is becoming increasingly difficult. Women and children make up half of the dead and more than half of the wounded.
“Our colleagues from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warn that since the beginning of the month, at least 125,000 people have been displaced across Yemen,” the reporter said. As of September 14, about 2,300 people had arrived in northern neighboring Djibouti.
“We urge all parties to protect the civilian population, respect international humanitarian law, and ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access so that critically needed assistance can be delivered to people,” the rapporteur emphasized.
Situation in the region
The ongoing escalation is not limited to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Yemen, Khiyari warned. The Houthis have also struck territory in Saudi Arabia, including a pipeline that Riyadh used as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
It was noted that the strike was carried out from the territory of Iraq, but the parties managed to contain the situation and avoid escalation between Saudi Arabia and the Iraqi authorities. Iraq promised that “its territory and airspace will not be a launching pad for aggression against any state.”
“We once again strongly condemn the cross-border attacks by the Houthis on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,” emphasized the speaker.
Demand to stop the violence
Khaled Khiari called on all parties to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait “in accordance with international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions.” “Any violation of maritime security in these vital waterways threatens far-reaching consequences that will be felt far beyond the region,” he warned.
The speaker also emphasized that the UN Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the lack of stability in the area of another important maritime route in the region – the Strait of Hormuz. He reminded that the longer the strait remains blocked, the higher the global costs. Developing countries dependent on energy imports suffer especially.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It represents an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.