Yemen Conflict Escalates as Saudis Pound Country, Houthis Target Oil Port
The conflict in Yemen has escalated as Saudi warplanes pounded the country and Houthi fighters launched drones and missiles at Saudi cities. The Iran-backed Houthis have swept through Yemeni towns along the Red Sea coast, seizing islands in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, and released battlefield video showing fighters seizing armored vehicles from Saudi-backed forces.
The United States has tightened its travel warning for Saudi Arabia, banning government employees from traveling within 20 miles of the Yemen border. The Houthis have also fired repeatedly into Saudi Arabia over the past week, causing alarms in southern and western cities.
Saudi officials and oil company Aramco did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the Houthi claims. However, a US Energy Secretary told CNBC that crude oil should be flowing through the East-West Pipeline within days.