Houthis intensify offensive in Yemen after Donald Trump cancels US strikes
Forces aim to seize strategic heights to isolate the Red Sea coastline after U.S. raids were called off at the last moment.
Houthis fighters have renewed an offensive in Yemen aimed at seizing strategic high ground to sever the country's Red Sea coastline from areas still held by Saudi-backed forces. The push came after reports that Donald Trump called off planned U.S. airstrikes at the last moment.
U.S. officials had prepared to carry out air raids following fresh requests from the Saudi crown prince, but the strikes were halted just as bombs were being loaded onto aircraft, according to the initial reporting.
Territorial gains and Saudi strikes
The Houthis, who have controlled Yemen's capital since 2014, this month captured coastal territory along the Red Sea in an operation that pushed back government forces. Their advance seeks the heights that dominate the coastline and could isolate ports and supply lines used by the internationally recognized government and its allies.
Saudi Arabia has responded in recent days with intensive strikes on Houthi positions in mountainous areas, and Houthi statements claim hundreds of Saudi strikes were carried out against their fighters.
The combination of a stepped-up ground offensive by the Houthis and the cancellation of U.S. strikes introduces new uncertainty into the conflict at a time when control of Red Sea access is increasingly contested.
Photo: AP)
