Houthi movement faces challenges holding Yemen’s Red Sea coast

The Houthi movement faces significant military and logistical challenges following rapid territorial gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The group has recently seized the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands, as well as Mayyun Island, altering a map of control that had remained largely static for four years.

Maintaining control over the strategic Bab al-Mandeb area and the coastal extension from Hodeidah to Mocha presents structural vulnerabilities. Experts note that securing such a vast, open coastline requires massive forces and continuous supplies, as the geography makes movements highly susceptible to aerial monitoring and targeting.

In response, Saudi Arabia-backed Yemeni government forces have launched counteroffensives to stretch Houthi resources. Recent clashes and strikes have been reported in the al-Waziyah front, Lahj province, Dhubab, and al-Khokha. Meanwhile, renewed fighting has caused thousands to flee to Djibouti.