Houthis move to seize strategic terrain after Trump calls off airstrikes at last minute
US president reportedly changed his mind over Saudi Arabia’s pleas for assistance as bombs were being loaded
TL;DR
- Houthi fighters are advancing to seize strategic heights that could cut off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed forces.
- US President Trump reportedly reversed decisions on ordering airstrikes against the Houthis after calls from Saudi Arabia.
- The Houthi advance threatens the Bab al-Mandab strait, a crucial route for oil exports.
- Hostilities have displaced at least 125,000 people since September.
- The US faces pressure to support Saudi allies while avoiding wider entanglement in regional conflicts.