Houthis Advance Toward Strategic Highlands in Yemen Amid Reports of Cancelled US Strikes
Houthi forces are seeking to capture strategic highland positions in Yemen as fighting intensifies between the group and Saudi-backed forces, adding another major front to the wider regional conflict.
The latest advance is focused on areas in Taiz and Lahij provinces, where control of key mountain positions could help the Houthis strengthen their presence near the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Five Yemeni military sources told Reuters that fighting has been reported around Al-Wazi’iyah in Taiz and Ras al-Ara near the coast.
Reports of Cancelled US Airstrikes
The developments came alongside a report by The New York Times that the United States had prepared to conduct airstrikes against Houthi positions following requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to the report, US President Donald Trump later called off the planned strikes shortly before they were due to take place.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the report, while US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The United States has previously carried out military action against the Houthis but has remained outside the latest escalation in Yemen.
Houthis Seek Strategic Positions
The Houthis have controlled Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014. Earlier this month, the group made rapid gains along the country’s Red Sea coast, putting pressure on forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
The group has also moved toward strategic locations around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an important maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Reuters reported that control of the highlands could provide the Houthis with stronger defensive positions and potentially allow them to open additional fronts.
The latest fighting has also resulted in significant displacement. According to the United Nations, nearly 700 people have been killed, thousands have been injured and more than 120,000 Yemenis have been displaced within the country during the recent escalation.
Impact on Saudi Oil Exports
The conflict is also creating concerns for Saudi Arabia’s energy export routes.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is an important route for international shipping, while Saudi Arabia has increased oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz after disruptions affected some exports through the Red Sea.
Reuters reported that Saudi oil shipments through Hormuz had risen to around 2.9 million barrels per day, compared with approximately 700,000 barrels per day in August.
The increased use of alternative shipping routes comes as energy markets continue to monitor developments across the region.
Regional Tensions Continue
The latest escalation follows Houthi attacks claimed against targets in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, while Saudi Arabia has continued military operations against Houthi positions.
The Houthis also gained control of the strategic Perim Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait earlier this month, according to Reuters sources, further increasing concerns over one of the world’s key shipping corridors.
With fighting continuing in Yemen and diplomatic efforts surrounding the wider Middle East conflict still uncertain, developments around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb remain closely watched by governments and energy markets.
