Yemen ground fighting kills at least 60
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The gist
Yemen ground fighting kills at least 60 as Houthis push toward Bab al-Mandab strait.
The clashes threaten a key Red Sea shipping lane, risking global trade disruption.
Background
Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, with the Iran-backed Houthi movement fighting the Saudi-backed government. The latest escalation began Thursday when Houthi forces launched a ground assault, supported by rockets and drones, aiming to seize control of the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital passage for global maritime trade. The fighting has resulted in heavy casualties on both sides and raised concerns about regional stability and oil prices.
How it unfolded
- Sep 3, 2026Fighting erupts in Taiz province as Houthi forces launch a ground assault, killing at least 25 people, according to a government military official.
- Sep 4, 2026Houthis push toward Bab al-Mandab, with clashes intensifying. A Yemeni military official reports 66 government fighters killed, while Houthi sources claim at least 62 rebels dead, and one civilian killed, bringing the toll to over 120.
- Sep 5, 2026Death toll rises to 129, including 66 government fighters, at least 62 Houthi militants, and one civilian, as fighting continues near Mokha and Bab al-Mandab.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- A Yemeni military official said 66 of his men were killed in the fighting, emphasizing the government's resistance against the Houthi offensive.
- Houthi sources
- Medical and military sources close to the Houthis said at least 62 rebels had died, indicating their continued push toward the strait.
- Analysts
- The Houthi offensive aims to cut off the government-held port city of Mokha and seize elevated positions to threaten commercial shipping, raising concerns about global trade.
Still unverified
The exact number of casualties is disputed, with different sources reporting varying figures. The Houthis have not commented on the fighting or the government's statements.