A Houthi official reported on September 15, 2026, that Saudi warplanes conducted airstrikes in Yemen, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including two children, in Taiz province. The official, Anees al Asbahi, stated that two additional people were injured. The Associated Press has not independently verified this claim, and al-Asbahi did not specify the target of the airstrikes.
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has raised concerns about civilian safety and the impact on shipping routes through the Red Sea, particularly following increased tensions in the region after U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28.
In a related development, the U.S. military reported the destruction of two Iranian boats that were allegedly attempting to seize a drone ship in waters off Iran. U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins confirmed that the drone involved was a Saildrone, which is utilized for maritime surveillance.
Human Rights Watch has accused Houthi rebels of potential war crimes due to their attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, with at least three incidents reported between July 20 and August 24. Niku Jafarnia, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, stated that attacks on civilian crews, whether deliberate or reckless, could constitute war crimes. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on nine vessels, including those flagged from Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and Dominica.
Save the Children reported that children accounted for over 20% of casualties in Yemen between August 1 and September 9, with 117 people killed and 206 injured. The organization highlighted that 43 children were killed or injured in just one week, marking the highest weekly toll recorded in a year. Rishana Haniffa, Yemen director for Save the Children, expressed concern over the severe violence affecting children in the country.
Iranian state media reported that civilians are being recruited to learn to use assault rifles, which is viewed as a response to the ongoing conflict and U.S. threats against Iran. The recruitment effort aims to bolster armed support for the Iranian government amid rising tensions.
Oman's Maritime Security Center reported that a Panama-flagged oil tanker was towed to port after being targeted, resulting in a fire in the engine room and the evacuation of 23 crew members. The search for two missing crew members is ongoing.
The U.K. government has called for an immediate cessation of Houthi attacks, affirming Saudi Arabia and Yemen's right to defend themselves. Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim Al-Aufi, suggested exploring alternative routes for liquefied natural gas to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a focal point of recent tensions.
Abdul Rahman Al Yahyaei, CEO of Oman's Integrated Gas Company, noted that the closure of Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline could lead to increased market stress and higher prices for gas and oil. He indicated that alternative routes through Oman are being considered more seriously, despite potential risks from drone and missile attacks.
This report will be updated as new developments arise.