US Halts Yemen Strikes as Refugees Flee to Djibouti
Thousands of Yemenis have reached Djibouti by boat as US military plans for Houthi strikes were abruptly cancelled.
Key points
- Thousands of Yemenis fled to Djibouti by boat to escape fighting between Houthis and government forces.
- US President Trump authorized airstrikes against Houthi targets before cancelling the operation at the last minute.
- The decision to strike followed a personal appeal from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for military assistance.
A significant wave of Yemeni refugees has arrived in northern Djibouti, having crossed the Bab al-Mandab Strait by boat to escape intensifying hostilities. According to The Jerusalem Post, these individuals are fleeing front-line areas where fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces has become increasingly severe.
The exodus coincides with a dramatic shift in US military posture. President Donald Trump initially authorized the Pentagon to prepare airstrikes against Houthi targets following a personal appeal from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, the operation was cancelled at the final hour, even after target lists were approved and aircraft began loading munitions.
Refugees Describe Terror on the Front Lines
Interviews conducted by BBC correspondent Frank Gardner reveal the human cost of the conflict. Ibrahim Issa, a 50-year-old fisherman from the town of Dhubab, described the constant fear experienced by his family. He stated that the sound of aircraft was sufficient to trigger panic among his children, prompting him to prioritize their safety over staying in his home.
Many refugees expressed a shared sentiment regarding the source of their displacement. Rather than focusing on the political allegiance of the attacking force, they cited the indiscriminate nature of the bombardment as the primary driver for their flight. For these families, the immediate threat of falling bombs outweighed any political distinctions between the warring factions.
US Decision Making Reversed at the Last Minute
The decision to launch strikes was part of a two-week deliberation process within the White House. According to reports from The New York Times, Trump had initially resisted Saudi requests for military assistance. His stance changed after a direct conversation with bin Salman, leading to instructions for the Pentagon to move forward with the campaign.
The reversal occurred late on Sunday, at a stage where military commanders had already validated the target lists. Troops were in the process of loading bombs onto selected aircraft, and the first wave of attacks was imminent. The sudden halt to the operation occurred just before the strikes could be executed, leaving the military assets in a state of high readiness that was never utilized.
Regional Tensions Remain High Despite Cancellation
The cancellation of the US strikes does not resolve the underlying escalation in Yemen. The conflict continues to expand, placing increased pressure on Saudi Arabia and its regional allies. The movement of thousands of civilians to Djibouti highlights the growing humanitarian crisis resulting from the protracted violence in the region.
Observers are now watching for the next diplomatic or military moves by Washington and its partners. The abrupt change in policy suggests a complex balancing act between responding to Saudi security concerns and avoiding a broader regional confrontation. The situation remains fluid, with both sides maintaining high levels of alert.
