Heavy fighting between Iran-aligned Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops has killed as many as 169 people over the past three days in Yemen.

Houthi military officials reported at least 118 deaths from clashes and Saudi air and artillery strikes in the provinces of Taiz, al-Jawf, Marib, and Saada since Sunday. Government sources confirmed at least 36 killed among their ranks. The clashes center on the Kahboub mountains and areas around the port of Mocha on the Red Sea coast.

The Houthis have seized Mocha and now control the Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical chokepoint for global shipping. Government forces have resisted the advance to prevent further Houthi gains toward Aden. The group accused Saudi Arabia of strikes on Mocha that killed six civilians, including two children, and a prison in al-Jawf that killed nine detainees.

Thousands have fled the fighting. Yemen’s Executive Unit for the Management of Displaced Persons Camps reported more than 158,000 people displaced this month across eight governorates. The World Health Organization noted 674 total deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries since August 6, with a sharp increase in recent days.

The escalation follows a Houthi offensive launched in early September that collapsed a fragile 2022 ceasefire. The fighting coincides with broader regional tensions involving Iran. Saudi Arabia has issued alerts for potential strikes in its south after Houthi attacks on Riyadh.

G-7 nations have called on Iran to cease support for the Houthis and urged a return to political talks. The conflict threatens international trade routes through the Red Sea and highlights the ongoing influence of Iranian proxies in the region.