UN Security Council holds emergency session on Yemen as Houthis seize Red Sea islands

September 16, 2026 at 02:46 PM1 min

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The UN Security Council held an emergency session on Yemen after Houthi forces advanced along the western coast and seized strategic islands in the Red Sea. The offensive has displaced at least 125,000 people and raised concerns over the security of the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route. The UN called for an end to violence and warned of risks to international trade and energy supplies.

Key Facts

The UN Security Council held an emergency session on Yemen on September 16, 2026.
Houthi forces seized several strategic islands in the Red Sea over the past week.
At least 125,000 people have been displaced by the fighting.
The Houthis also struck Saudi Arabia's territory and energy infrastructure.
Yemeni government forces and Riyadh responded with attacks on Houthi positions, and Yemeni authorities announced preparations for a counteroffensive.

The Security Council Session

The UN Security Council convened an emergency session on Yemen on September 16, 2026. The session followed a week of Houthi advances along Yemen's western coast and the capture of strategic Red Sea islands. The UN called on all parties to cease violence and warned of risks to international trade and energy supplies.

Houthi Offensive and Regional Response

Houthi forces advanced along Yemen's western coast and seized several strategic islands in the Red Sea over the past week. The movement also struck Saudi Arabia's territory and energy infrastructure. In response, Yemeni government forces and Riyadh attacked Houthi positions, and Yemeni authorities announced preparations for a counteroffensive. Shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait has not been halted, but the Houthi advance has heightened concerns over the security of one of the world's key maritime routes.

Humanitarian Impact

At least 125,000 people have fled their homes due to the fighting. The UN has warned of risks to international trade and energy supplies amid the escalating conflict.