Houthis Target Yemen Highlands as US Halts Strikes
Houthi forces advance toward key Yemeni mountain passes following reports that Washington paused planned airstrikes on the group.
Key points
- Houthi forces are advancing to seize the Kahboub Mountains to cut off the Red Sea coast from government-held areas.
- Reports indicate the US canceled planned airstrikes on the Houthis at the last minute despite Saudi requests for aid.
- The UN reports nearly 700 deaths and 130,000 displaced people as the conflict intensifies in Yemen.
Houthi fighters have moved to secure strategic high ground in Yemen, aiming to isolate the Red Sea coast from remaining areas controlled by Saudi-backed forces. This rapid advance follows reports that US President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes against the group but reversed the decision at the last minute.
The shift in military posture has extended the broader Middle East conflict to a new front, raising concerns over global energy supplies. According to Internazionale, the US has thus far declined repeated requests from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince to join the fight directly in Yemen, despite intensifying hostilities.
Last-Minute Call Off of Airstrikes
The New York Times reported that the Trump administration prepared to launch attacks on Sunday after fresh appeals from the Saudi crown prince. However, the newspaper stated that Trump canceled the operation even as crews were loading bombs onto aircraft. Reuters could not independently verify this account, and the White House did not immediately respond to inquiries seeking comment.
Rashid al-Alimi, the president of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, spoke with Trump by phone on Sunday to request military assistance. Sources familiar with the call indicate that the US president made no direct pledge of support during their conversation.
International Support for Saudi Defense
Riyadh was reportedly struck on Saturday for the first time since the escalation began, with explosions heard near the airport. In response, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to provide limited defensive air-to-air refueling for Saudi forces, a move intended to help stabilize the wider region.
France has also signaled readiness to assist in securing Saudi energy infrastructure, specifically the Yanbu port and the East-West pipeline corridor. These diplomatic moves highlight the growing international concern over the security of critical energy routes in the region.
Humanitarian Crisis and Military Stakes
The United Nations reports that nearly 700 people have been killed and thousands injured in the fighting. The displacement crisis is severe, with nearly 130,000 Yemenis fleeing their homes and over 3,000 crossing the Red Sea to Africa by boat.
Military sources indicate that government forces remain in a defensive posture after losing the Bab el-Mandeb area. Analysts suggest that control of the Kahboub Mountains will determine whether the Houthis can consolidate their gains or if government forces can mount a counteroffensive.
