Houthis consolidate Red Sea control, declare Saudi blockade

Houthi forces have captured the remainder of Yemen's Red Sea coast and strategic islands, significantly expanding their territorial footprint in the region. The group declared a maritime blockade of Saudi Red Sea ports, leveraging their newfound coastal control. These territorial gains follow coordinated military operations including drone and missile attacks on the Saudi military base in Sharurah, Najran, and a projectile strike reported near the Saudi border.

Yemeni government forces responded with airstrikes on Houthi positions in Ta'izz, maintaining competing claims to contested territory. The Houthis claimed responsibility for 129 Saudi airstrikes in 48 hours, and captured the strategic port city of Mocha, displacing residents. A projectile strike was reported on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating expanded operational reach. These developments represent a substantial shift in territorial control and demonstrate Houthi capability to consolidate gains across multiple fronts while maintaining offensive operations.