Iran War Updates: Thousands March for Houthis in Sanaa as Fighting Rages Near Bab al-Mandeb
Houthi rally Sanaa Mecca accusation: Tens of thousands of supporters of Yemen’s Houthis marched through Sanaa on Friday, September 18, 2026, in support of the group and to protest Saudi Arabia’s accusation that the Houthis targeted Islam’s holiest site of Mecca.
Tens of thousands of supporters of Yemen’s Houthis marched through the capital Sanaa on Friday, September 18, 2026, in a massive show of support for the Iran-backed group as fighting rages across Yemen and the wider Gulf region.
The rally comes amid a major escalation in the Yemen conflict and the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, with direct implications for maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
According to Al Jazeera live coverage, which closed its live page at 23:59 GMT on September 18, demonstrators gathered at Al-Sabeen Square waving assault rifles, Yemeni flags, and posters of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi. Many were also seen carrying flyers depicting the Kaaba in Mecca.
Why Did Houthis Rally in Sanaa?
The protest was called by Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi himself after Saudi Arabia accused the group of attempting to target Islam’s holiest site.
In a televised address on Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV on Thursday, al-Houthi rejected the accusation as a complete “fabrication and misinformation” and a “lie” being used to mobilize support for military measures against Yemen.
On Wednesday, the Saudi-led coalition claimed that the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace.
Coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki described the security of Islam’s two holiest sites as a “red line” and said necessary measures would be taken. Saudi Arabia said this was the second alleged Houthi attempt to target Mecca since a ballistic missile attack on July 27, 2017.
Houthi supporters chanted slogans rejecting the Saudi allegations and vowed retaliation for ongoing Saudi airstrikes.
Houthi rally Sanaa Mecca accusation
Fighting Escalates on Multiple Fronts
The Sanaa rally coincided with heavy fighting across Yemen. Yemen’s government, backed by Saudi Arabia, said on Friday its forces had killed 30 Houthi rebels and wounded more than 60 in clashes in the al-Waziiyah district of Taiz province.
Earlier this week, intensifying attacks between both sides killed at least five people, including three children. Saudi Arabia said one person was killed in the Taif governorate after a Houthi drone was intercepted, while Houthi-linked media reported deaths from Saudi attacks in Taiz and the town of Abs.
The Houthis have made major territorial gains since September 3, taking control of large stretches of Yemen’s Red Sea coast, including the strategic port city of Mocha, Dhubab, and Perim Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a vital corridor for global trade where 20% of world shipping passes.
The United Nations Security Council condemned the Houthis’ continuing attacks on Saudi Arabia, stating that the military escalation threatens to widen the conflict and endanger maritime security and international trade.This Houthi rally Sanaa Mecca accusation protest highlights growing tensions between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Impact on Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea Shipping
The escalation has directly impacted global shipping. The European Union’s Red Sea naval mission, Operation Aspides, has raised its alert level as the situation worsened.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday, “Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and sabotage the global economy.”
US officials met Houthi representatives at the US embassy in Muscat, Oman over the weekend after the group’s rapid gains raised concern over shipping through Bab al-Mandeb. The Houthis reportedly assured Washington that vessels not linked to Saudi Arabia would not be targeted, though Washington has so far held back from direct strikes, wary of opening a new front while fighting a costly war with Iran.
The Houthis accuse Saudi Arabia of launching 300 strikes on Houthi-held territory in the past week alone.This Houthi rally Sanaa Mecca accusation protest highlights growing tensions between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
What Happens Next?
The UN has confirmed that fighting has displaced more than 115,000 people after a period of relative calm since a 2022 truce. With Italy deploying warships to protect shipping through Bab al-Mandeb and Pakistan pledging full commitment to the defence of Saudi Arabia, regional powers are weighing their options.
As of now, no official de-escalation has been announced. The situation near the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea remains highly volatile.The Houthi rally Sanaa Mecca accusation remains a flashpoint as UN warns of wider conflict threatening Red Sea shipping.
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