Yemen and Somalia discuss Houthi escalation and Red Sea security

Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba and Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi held discussions regarding Houthi escalations and their impact on Red Sea maritime security and international navigation safety.

During the call, Al-Zouba briefed her counterpart on developments along the West Coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, emphasizing that Houthi actions threaten both national and regional security. The Yemeni government expressed its determination to defend its territory, coasts, and territorial waters. Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing coordination with Yemen and supporting its sovereignty and stability.

These diplomatic talks occur amid renewed military activity in Yemen. Since early July 2026, clashes between government forces and the Houthi group have intensified. Recent reports indicate the Houthi group has seized several districts in the Hodeidah and Taiz governorates, as well as strategic islands in the Red Sea, including Mayun Island located in the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Conversely, government forces have reported advances in Al-Jawf province near the Saudi Arabian border.