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Iran Update, September 26, 2026

ISW · Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and The Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute ·

Executive Summary

Houthi and Yemeni government-aligned forces continue to engage in combat over strategic high ground and ground lines of communication near the Bab al Mandeb Strait. Saudi and Yemeni forces are targeting Houthi weapon stockpiles and GLOCs, while Houthis conduct drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabia. Regional military cooperation is also increasing, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey discussing defense pacts.

Why It Matters

This document provides a snapshot of ongoing military engagements and strategic developments in the Yemen conflict, which has significant implications for regional stability, maritime security, and international alliances.

Key Takeaways

  • Houthi and Yemeni government-aligned forces are actively contesting strategic high ground and ground lines of communication near the Bab al Mandeb Strait.
    Source evidence · PDF page 2
    Houthi and Yemeni government-aligned forces continue to fight over contested high ground overlooking Houthi positions and ground lines of communication (GLOC) near the Bab al Mandeb Strait.
  • Saudi and Yemeni government-aligned forces are conducting strikes against Houthi weapons stockpiles and GLOCs across Yemen.
    Source evidence · PDF page 2
    Saudi and Yemeni government-aligned forces continue to target Houthi weapons stockpiles and GLOCs on the eastern, southwestern, and northern fronts in Yemen.
  • The Houthis continue to launch drone and missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and have threatened to target Saudi command-and-control sites if their 'red lines' are crossed. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey are strengthening military cooperation.
    Source evidence · PDF page 3
    The Saudi, Pakistani, and Turkish Armed Forces chiefs also met in Riyadh on September 25 to discuss military cooperation.[14] Pakistan and Turkey are parties to a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia.[15]

Strategic Relevance

The ongoing conflict in Yemen, particularly around the Bab al Mandeb Strait, has critical implications for global maritime trade and regional power dynamics. Houthi missile and drone capabilities pose a direct threat to Saudi security, while increased military cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey could reshape regional alliances and defense postures.

Source Website View PDF

Key Entities

HouthisSaudi ArabiaYemenIranPakistanTurkeyUnited StatesUnited KingdomFranceBab al Mandeb Strait

Best For

Defense AnalystsPolicy MakersRegional SpecialistsIntelligence Analysts

Related Themes

Regional ConflictsMaritime SecurityProxy WarfareMilitary AlliancesDrone WarfareMissile Proliferation

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