Yemen Conflict Escalates as Houthi Rebels and Saudi-Led Coalition Clash

The conflict in Yemen has escalated as Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition exchanged airstrikes on Wednesday. The fighting, which began last week, has killed over 500 people and left hundreds of thousands displaced.

The Houthis launched a major offensive to seize territory around the Bab al-Mandab strait, gateway to the Red Sea shipping route. Analysts say they are trying to tighten their squeeze on oil shipments, a lifeline for exports after Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi-led forces said the Houthis launched several ballistic missiles and drones toward cities in the kingdom's south, without mentioning any casualties. The rebels reported dozens of incoming salvoes from Saudi Arabia, and their Al-Masirah TV channel showed footage of attacks on Saudi-backed forces.