Houthis Seize Strategic Yemeni Heights as 158,000 Displaced
Fighting for Red Sea mountain passes has intensified, displacing over 158,000 people and prompting US officials to cancel planned airstrikes.
Key points
- Houthis are fighting to capture the Kahboub Mountains, which overlook the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and Mayyun Island.
- The conflict has killed at least 674 people and displaced more than 158,000 residents in southern Yemen.
- US President Donald Trump reportedly cancelled planned airstrikes against the Houthis at the last minute.
Houthi rebels have launched a major offensive to capture strategic mountain ranges in southern Yemen, according to Al Jazeera. The clashes target the Kahboub Mountains, a high ground that overlooks the Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the recently seized Mayyun Island. Control of these heights would effectively cut off the Red Sea coast from the remaining government-held territories in the south.
The escalation has resulted in significant humanitarian consequences, with at least 674 fatalities reported. More than 158,000 residents have been displaced from their homes as fighting intensifies near the port of Mocha and surrounding provinces. This development occurs amid rising regional tensions linked to the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
US cancels planned airstrikes
Washington has reportedly resisted calls for direct military intervention despite repeated requests from Riyadh. The New York Times reported that President Donald Trump ordered air attacks on Sunday but revoked the decision at the last minute. Troops were reportedly in the process of loading munitions when the order was called off, highlighting a reluctance to expand US commitments in the region.
Analysts suggest this reversal reflects the administration's concern over stretching military resources thin. Jason Campbell of the Middle East Institute noted that US forces have already expended significant high-end munitions. He argued that adding a new front in Yemen would present a difficult logistical and strategic challenge for a military already engaged elsewhere.
Houthi warnings to Washington
Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi accused the United States of considering a joint escalation with Saudi Arabia. He warned that the conflict will persist as long as Washington maintains an objective of dominance over the Yemeni people. Al-Houthi also claimed responsibility for a recent attack on Riyadh, marking the first such incident since the recent escalation in hostilities.
Saudi-backed government forces have continued to counter the offensive, stating they struck Houthi supply lines near the strait. Officials reported shooting down a drone in southwestern Taiz and targeting fighters in al-Bayda governorate. The battle for the Kahboub Mountains remains the central theater of operations, with both sides vying for control of the critical maritime route.
Strategic importance of the passes
The Kahboub Mountains hold significant tactical value due to their oversight of Mayyun Island and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Al Jazeera correspondent Maha Ali reported that the Houthis aim to secure their rear following their advance into Mocha. Capturing these heights would consolidate their grip on the coast and limit government mobility in the region.
Future developments will likely hinge on whether the United States revisits its stance on military support for Saudi Arabia. Observers are watching for further diplomatic moves or potential shifts in US policy that could alter the balance of power in Yemen. The humanitarian situation is also expected to deteriorate if the fighting for the strategic heights continues unchecked.
