Red Sea maritime security and Houthi-Coalition conflict
The developments in this story so far, most recent first.
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· date approximate Development
Yemen’s Houthis claim ballistic missile strike on Saudi oil tanker in Red Sea
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Development
Yemen government says Houthis planning to impose fees for Red Sea transit
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Development
Saudi-led coalition strikes Houthi targets in Yemen, escalating tensions
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The Houthi group claimed to have attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers with missiles and UAVs.
In late July 2026, the Iran-backed Houthi group claimed to have attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea using ballistic missiles and UAVs. According to the group's spokesperson, the strikes caused fires on the vessels and were executed as part of a strategy described as 'blockade for blockade.'
The group had previously announced a maritime navigation ban and a blockade against Saudi Arabia earlier in the month. These actions followed tensions in the region, with the Houthis stating their operations were in response to Saudi-led coalition strikes and a blockade applied in parts of Yemen outside of their control.
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The Houthi group announced a new 'maritime navigation ban' practice.
On July 20, 2025, the Houthi group announced a new practice referred to as a 'maritime navigation ban.' This move included a maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia, threatening to cut off the kingdom's oil exports through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Following the announcement, the Saudi-led coalition's Joint Forces Command stated it would take measures to protect commercial vessels and respond to threats in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, accusing the Houthis of escalating tensions. The blockade developments occurred amid reports of Houthi attacks on Saudi ships and oil tankers in the Red Sea.
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The Houthis declared a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia.
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The Houthis' attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea stopped following a ceasefire in Gaza.
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A UN experts report alleged that the Houthis previously charged safe passage fees from shipping agencies.
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The Houthis' attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea began.
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A truce was established between the parties involved.
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The Houthi group has controlled large parts of northern Yemen since September 2014.
The Houthi group, an Iran-aligned militia, has controlled a large part of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since September 2014. The group came to power in late 2014 after seizing Sana'a and forcing Yemen's government into exile.