Houthi forces and Saudi-backed troops escalate fighting across Yemen

Fighting between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni troops became much worse between August and mid-September 2026. On August 6, Houthis attacked government soldiers in two provinces at the same time, killing at least 30. Later, in Marib province, Houthi attacks killed 58 troops and several civilians. Clashes happened almost every day in Marib, Taiz, and al-Hodeidah. Saudi Arabia responded with dozens of airstrikes. Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia injured 73 people. About 21,000 people had to leave their homes. The World Health Organization reported nearly 900 deaths in total. The last ceasefire began in 2022, and this violence is the biggest threat to it since then. Neither side has tried to take large amounts of new territory.