Houthis move to seize strategic terrain after Trump calls off airstrikes at last minute

Key Points:

• Houthi fighters are advancing to seize strategic heights in Yemen that would cut off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed forces, following US President Donald Trump's last-minute cancellation of strikes against the group.
• The Houthis have gained control over much of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and are moving toward the Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical route for Saudi oil exports, despite Saudi Arabia's calls for US military intervention.
• Trump has sent mixed signals on US involvement, initially preparing for strikes after a call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman but then reversing the decision, reflecting reluctance to deepen US engagement in the Yemen conflict.
• The conflict has displaced at least 125,000 people since September, with heavy fighting around Taiz province and the Red Sea coast, while Saudi airstrikes have so far failed to halt the Houthi advance.
• The situation poses a dilemma for the US, balancing support for Saudi allies with a desire to avoid further entanglement in the unpopular Yemen war, risking alienation of Gulf partners and threatening the stability of regional energy supplies.