Houthis Solidify Gains in Yemen as Oil Prices Soar

The conflict in Yemen has escalated as Saudi warplanes pounded the country, according to reports from the Houthi rebels. The Iran-backed fighters have solidified their gains after a lightning advance that has extended Tehran's reach in the Middle East.

The Houthis claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet and released battlefield video showing fighters seizing armored vehicles from Saudi-backed forces. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said they had carried out as many as 450 air strikes on Yemen this week.

The conflict has disrupted global oil supplies, with the price of Brent crude hovering around $108 a barrel early today. The United States tightened its travel warning for Saudi Arabia, banning government employees from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemen border.