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Houthis Advance in Yemen Highlands as Trump Reportedly Halts Airstrikes
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CNBC TV18•21-09-2026, 16:55
Houthis Advance in Yemen Highlands as Trump Reportedly Halts Airstrikes
- •Houthi fighters are pushing to seize strategic heights in Yemen, aiming to cut off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed forces.
- •The New York Times reported that President Trump called off planned US airstrikes against the Houthis at the last minute, despite pleas from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- •The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital since 2014, recently seized the country's Red Sea coast in a rapid advance.
- •The conflict has led to nearly 700 deaths, thousands injured, and over 120,000 Yemenis displaced, according to the United Nations.
- •The Houthi control of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait poses a new dilemma for Trump, impacting Saudi oil exports and global energy supplies.
Key Questions Answered
President Trump reversed course and put planned airstrikes on hold at the last minute after initially preparing operations following fresh pleas from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Houthi fighters are pushing to seize strategic heights known as the Kahboub Mountains in the Taiz and Lahij provinces to separate the Red Sea coast from the government-held south and protect their positions.
With Houthi control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait threatening regional shipping, Saudi Arabia increased shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to 2.9 million barrels per day, bypassing disruptions at the Red Sea port of Yanbu.
