Houthi forces seized Yemen's Red Sea coastline, Mokha port, Perim Island, and Hanish Islands in mid-September 2026, granting de facto control over approaches to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and enabling targeted restrictions on Saudi-linked vessels since July. Shipping volumes have fallen sharply, with tracked tanker transits down roughly 26 percent in early October and overall traffic 50-60 percent below prior baselines, though no international authority has declared formal closure and limited non-Saudi transits continue. A Saudi-backed Yemeni government counteroffensive launched around October 3-5 produced conflicting territorial claims, with both sides asserting control over key coastal points and islands as of mid-October, leaving the situation fluid. Recent reports of possible attacks near the strait and elevated oil prices reflect ongoing disruption risks, while rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope remains the primary alternative for operators.