Houthis Push for Control of Yemen Highlands as US Strikes Reportedly Called Off
Houthi forces are pushing to seize strategic mountain positions in Yemen after making rapid gains along the country’s Red Sea coast, raising concerns about further expansion of the conflict.
Five Yemeni military sources told Reuters that the Houthis are seeking control of the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahij provinces. The strategic heights could help separate the Red Sea coastline from areas still held by Saudi-backed forces.
The developments followed a report by The New York Times that US President Donald Trump had called off planned airstrikes against the Houthis at the last minute after Saudi Arabia requested American military support. Reuters said it could not independently verify the report, while US Central Command and the White House did not immediately confirm it.
The Houthi advance has opened another major front in the wider regional conflict and increased concerns over the security of the Red Sea and global energy supplies. The United Nations estimates that nearly 700 people have been killed in the recent fighting, while about 130,000 Yemenis have been displaced inside the country.
Saudi-backed government forces continue to fight the Houthis, while Riyadh has carried out airstrikes against Houthi positions. Britain has also agreed to provide limited defensive air-to-air refuelling support to Saudi Arabia.
