Saudi-Led Coalition and Houthi Rebels Trade Strikes in Yemen

A deadly conflict in Yemen has escalated as the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebels exchanged airstrikes, killing hundreds of people. The fighting began when the Houthis launched a major offensive last week to seize territory around the Bab al-Mandab strait, gateway to the Red Sea shipping route.

The conflict has killed over 500 people since the Houthis' attack, and oil prices have returned to $100 a barrel due to the ongoing instability in the region. The Houthi rebels are trying to tighten their grip on shipments through the Red Sea by attacking Saudi oil tankers.

Mohammed Khudairi, one of nearly 20,000 people who fled the fighting, described the situation as 'a catastrophe'. He said that others remain trapped in the conflict zone. The International Organization for Migration reported that over 20,000 people have been displaced due to the violence.