Monthly Intelligence Report September 2026

This month’s issue of the Monthly Intelligence Report covers incidents that took place between August 1 - 31, 2026, in three focus regions:

• West Africa

• Western Indian Ocean (including the Persian Gulf)

• South East Asia

Focus topic: Yemen’s new fault lines are defining Red Sea threats

This month, we are taking a look at maritime disruptions in the Red Sea. A changing power balance inside Yemen could shape the next phase of regional instability, commercial-shipping exposure and Saudi trade security. Maritime operators should view the Red Sea as a layered political-security problem. Houthi targeting, developments in southern Yemen, fragmentation among armed groups, the potential revival of piracy, and the strategic role of Mocha-based factions are all impacting the character of current threats.

In addition, the report provides a brief update on the maritime implications of the war in Ukraine.

This month's risk and threat assessment

In the report's assessment, the main incidents are put into a broader context to highlight current threat levels and potential changes for maritime operations. Moreover, the report includes forecasts that cover the main concerns in the coming weeks.