Yemeni Houthi forces launched a renewed series of missile and drone strikes on the Red Sea port city of Al-Makha, killing at least 11 people and wounding 32. Government defenses intercepted six drones, while two ballistic missiles fell into the sea. The strikes damaged port infrastructure, commercial goods and food supplies, and authorities destroyed an unmanned explosive boat near the harbour. Pro-government forces warned civilians to stay indoors as fighting spread to nearby districts.
Houthis Renew Missile and Drone Strikes on Al-Makha Port, Killing 11 and Damaging Key Infrastructure
Smoke rises during Houthi missile and drone strikes on the Red Sea port city of al-Makha (Mocha), Yemen, August 9, 2026 [Reuters]
Yemen's Houthi movement launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on the Red Sea port city of Al-Makha (Mocha), extending assaults on government-held areas along the country's western coast. Officials say the strikes killed at least 11 people and wounded dozens, while inflicting substantial damage to port infrastructure and commercial supplies.
What Happened
Government sources reported that air defenses intercepted six drones during the renewed barrage, and that two ballistic missiles fell into the sea without striking intended targets. Footage broadcast by the Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV showed several ballistic missiles and drones being launched, and Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the operation targeted Saudi troop concentrations and weapon depots in the area.
Casualties and Damage
According to a casualty toll cited by AFP, the earlier strikes on Al-Makha killed at least 11 people, including eight military personnel and three civilians, and wounded 32 others. The strikes caused extensive damage to the port: government authorities reported that buildings and commercial facilities were hit, while the Associated Press documented damage to port infrastructure, commercial goods and food supplies.
Houthi Claim: The movement said the operation involved a large number of ballistic missiles and drones and was launched in response to an alleged Saudi military buildup, and accused allied forces of reinforcing positions with weapons and equipment along Yemen's western coast and in Taiz province.
Authorities also reported intercepting and destroying an unmanned explosive boat that was approaching the commercial harbour. The National Resistance Forces, aligned with Yemen's internationally recognised government, urged residents of Al-Makha to remain indoors and accused the Houthis of indiscriminate shelling.
Wider Escalation
The fighting was not limited to Al-Makha. The Houthis also struck the al-Khokha district, south of the coastal city of Hodeidah. Al-Jumhuriya television said the government-appointed governor of Hodeidah, Al-Hassan Taher, survived an assassination attempt after a Houthi ballistic missile struck his residence in the district.
Humanitarian Concerns: The damage to port facilities and stored supplies raises urgent concerns about the delivery of food and commercial goods to a region already facing humanitarian strain. Local authorities and international agencies may face increased difficulty delivering aid if port operations remain disrupted.
Reporting draws on statements and footage from Houthi media, and casualty and damage assessments cited by AFP, Reuters and the Associated Press.
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