Houthis Target Yemen Highlands After Reported US Strike Cancellation
Houthi forces are advancing on key mountain ranges in Yemen to split the country, following reports that US airstrikes were last-minute canceled.
Key points
- Houthis are advancing on the Kahboub Mountains to cut off the Red Sea coast from government-held southern Yemen.
- The New York Times reported that US airstrikes were canceled at the last minute despite Saudi requests for support.
- UN data shows nearly 700 killed and 130,000 displaced as the conflict expands to include strikes near Riyadh.
Houthi fighters have moved to seize strategic highlands in Yemen, aiming to cut off the Red Sea coast from areas still held by Saudi-backed forces. This rapid advance extends the broader Middle East conflict into a new theater and poses fresh risks to global energy supplies.
The offensive comes after reports that US President Donald Trump canceled planned airstrikes on the group at the last minute. According to The New York Times, bombs were being loaded onto aircraft when the orders were withdrawn, a move that has left Riyadh seeking further diplomatic leverage against the Iran-aligned militia.
Strategic Shift in Mountain Terrain
Military sources indicate the Houthis are focusing on the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahij provinces. Controlling these heights would effectively sever the government’s link between the coast and the southern base in Aden, fundamentally altering the balance of power on the ground.
Analyst Mohammed Al-Qadhi notes that while government forces remain defensive after losing the Bab el-Mandeb area, the Houthis are trying to maintain their momentum. The outcome in these mountains will determine whether the rebels consolidate their recent gains or if a counter-offensive can be mounted.
Humanitarian and Regional Consequences
The escalation has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting nearly 700 deaths and thousands of injuries. Approximately 130,000 Yemenis have been displaced internally, while over 3,000 have fled by boat to the African coast, adding pressure to regional stability.
Regional tensions have also spiked, with explosions reported near Riyadh airport on Saturday. The Houthis claimed responsibility for missile strikes on the Saudi capital, marking a new front in a conflict that has increasingly drawn in neighboring states.
Uncertain US Military Commitment
Despite repeated requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Washington has so far declined to join the fight in Yemen. While the US military prepared for strikes, the decision to cancel them suggests a cautious approach, leaving Riyadh to rely on its own air power and diplomatic channels.
The White House has not immediately responded to requests for comment on the canceled operations. As reported by sightmagazine.com.au, the lack of a clear US commitment leaves the Saudi-led coalition to manage the escalating violence and the resulting humanitarian fallout largely on its own.
