Houthis Expand Yemen Reach, Threaten Global Oil Supplies
The Houthi rebels in Yemen have expanded their reach to a key maritime chokepoint on the Red Sea coast, extending their control and threatening Saudi Arabia's oil exports. The Houthis' biggest land grab in years has reignited Yemen's 12-year civil war and pushed up global fuel prices.
In recent days, there has been heavy fighting in and around Marib, a central city in an oil-rich province of the same name. The Houthi offensives have failed to capture the city previously, which also serves as a military hub for Saudi-backed forces.
The Houthis want Saudi Arabia to lift a long-running blockade on the territory they control. However, Saudi Arabia and its allies have struggled to contain or deter the Houthi rebels, and may be tempted to seek a diplomatic solution to halt the attacks.