Fighting Escalates in Yemen Over Bab el-Mandeb Strait

In Yemen, fighting intensified in October 2026 between Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces and Houthis over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Saudi-led forces claimed ground advances and said the Red Sea strait was secured, while the coalition reported destroying a depot holding 20 ballistic missiles in northwestern Yemen. More than 270 people were killed in 24 hours, according to sources, and two Saudi airports were targeted on Monday. Gulf oil exports reached pre-war levels as the Saudi-backed Yemeni forces retook the strait from the Houthis.