Houthi Fighters Attack to Cut Off a Yemeni City from the Coast

Houthi fighters attacked southwest Yemen on September 3, 2026, firing 14 long-range missiles and drones at towns in Taiz and Hodeidah provinces. Two bomb-rigged boats exploded near al-Makha port. The aim was to cut the road linking Taiz city — held by Yemen's government — to the sea, isolating it. At least 13 government troops and 18 Houthi fighters were killed. Controlling al-Makha would give the Houthis a Red Sea foothold and choke off a key supply route.