Sanaa
Yemen's capital and largest city, held by the Houthis since September 2014.
On 13 October 2026 the Saudi-led Coalition told civilians in Houthi-held Sanaa to leave before it bombed an oil site in Yemen's capital, during a government offensive that opened on 4 October.
Last refreshed: 18 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Is the Saudi-backed offensive aiming at the Houthi capital, Sanaa?
Timeline for Sanaa
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Iran Conflict 2026Background
Sanaa is Yemen's capital and largest city, at about 2,250 metres above sea level. UNESCO listed its Old City as a World Heritage Site in 1986.
The Houthis seized Sanaa on 21 September 2014. In March 2015 the recognised government declared Aden its temporary capital, and it has governed from there since. The Houthis rule the capital and most of the populous north-west, and in September 2026 they also took Yemen's whole Red Sea coast.
The government offensive that opened on 4 October 2026 turned back towards the city. Yemen's armed forces declared a "strategic offensive" on 5 October, and the Houthis warned that Saudi airspace would not be safe while it continued. On 13 October the Saudi-led Coalition told civilians to leave before it bombed an oil site in Sanaa.
Who controls Sanaa?
Why did the Saudi coalition bomb Sanaa in October 2026?
Is the Old City of Sanaa a World Heritage Site?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 18 October 2026. Editorial standards.