Houthis Push into Yemen Highlands Amid Reports Trump Called Off Airstrikes

Houthi fighters have launched a lightning advance in Yemen's highlands to cut off the Red Sea coast from remaining areas held by Saudi-backed forces. The group, backed by Iran, has been pushing to seize strategic heights in the Kahboub Mountains, which separate the Red Sea coast from the government-held south.

The Houthis aim to secure the rear of their forces around the Bab al-Mandab Strait leading into the Red Sea by taking control of the heights. This would allow them to open new fronts and protect exposed positions they captured during their advance. Saudi Arabia has launched hundreds of strikes on Houthi positions in recent days, but so far, it has had little impact on slowing down the fighters' advance.

The conflict has further threatened global energy supplies, with the Houthis now controlling the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This risks cutting off the main alternative route that Saudi Arabia uses for oil exports. The US has rebuffed repeated pleas from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to join the fight in Yemen. President Donald Trump was reportedly set to launch airstrikes against the Houthis, but he called them off at the last minute.