The Yemen Review Quarterly: July-September 2026

The war in Yemen has entered a new phase of escalation. The conflict has seen the largest shift in territorial control and the highest casualties in nearly five years, with fighting on frontlines across the country, including the governorates of Taiz, Hudaydah, Lahj, Al-Dhalea, Al-Bayda, Abyan, Shabwa, Marib, and Al-Jawf. The Houthi group (Ansar Allah) broke through government lines in the first week of September, seizing the historic Red Sea port city of Al-Makha. Taiz city is now reportedly completely encircled by Houthi forces, with intense fighting in the mountains and on its outskirts as the group targets key roads and checkpoints. Saudi Arabia has resumed airstrikes in Yemen, and Houthi drone and missile strikes have targeted Saudi tankers and energy facilities as well as Riyadh Airport. The escalation began with the arrival of an Iranian civilian aircraft at Sana’a Airport on July 3. On July 13, a second Iranian…