Houthi fighters pushed to seize strategic heights in Yemen on Monday to cut off the Red Sea coast from remaining areas held by Saudi-backed forces, according to five Yemeni military sources cited by Reuters. The offensive follows a reported last-minute decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to call off planned airstrikes against the group as troops were actively loading bombs onto aircraft, according to an unverified report by The New York Times.
Strategic Ground Offensive in Yemen Highlands
The Iran-backed Houthi movement seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast earlier this month in a rapid advance that routed forces loyal to the internationally recognized Yemeni government, which is based in the south and backed by Saudi Arabia. According to five Yemeni military sources speaking to Reuters, the group is now targeting the Kahboub Mountains. These strategic heights sit across Taiz and Lahij provinces, creating a physical barrier between the Red Sea coast and government-held territory in the south.
Fighting has concentrated around the Al-Wazi’iyah district in Taiz province and Ras al-Ara along the Indian Ocean coast. Military sources state that capturing these highlands will secure the rear flank of Houthi forces operating around the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This control would allow the group to open new front lines and protect positions gained near Dhubab and Perim Island. The United Nations reports that the renewed fighting has killed nearly 700 people, injured thousands, displaced over 120,000 internally, and forced thousands more to flee by boat across the Red Sea toward Africa.
Airstrikes and Capital Attacks Amid Regional Escalation
Saudi Arabia has responded by launching hundreds of airstrikes over recent days against Houthi positions in the highlands, according to the group. However, that air power advantage has failed to halt the ground advance, as Saudi-backed government forces have largely melted away. The conflict also crossed into Saudi territory when the Houthis announced on Saturday that they had fired on Riyadh. Witnesses reported loud booms and rising columns of smoke near the capital’s airport, though Saudi authorities have not officially commented on the apparent strikes.
The New York Times reported that the Trump administration prepared airstrikes on Sunday following renewed appeals from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to that report, Trump halted the operation at the last minute despite troops loading bombs onto planes. Reuters could not immediately verify the report, and the U.S. military’s Central Command did not respond to inquiries. Washington has consistently resisted Crown Prince Mohammed’s requests to directly join the fight in Yemen, navigating a careful line to avoid expanding the wider U.S. conflict with Iran launched by Trump in February under Operation Epic Fury.
Did you know? Satellite tracking data shows Saudi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz reaching 2.9 million barrels per day recently, a sharp increase from just 700,000 barrels per day in August, as alternative Red Sea routes face severe disruption.
Impact on Global Oil Routes and Shipping Costs
The Houthi seizure of the Bab al-Mandab Strait threatens the main alternative shipping lane Saudi Arabia relies on to bypass disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Saudi Arabia has diverted shipments back through Hormuz. Tankers are increasingly operating with transponders disabled, charging record fees of up to a quarter of a cargo’s value to offset wartime risks before transferring oil to other vessels in the Indian Ocean bound for Asia.
Satellite data confirms that diverted Saudi exports through Hormuz have helped put a cap on global crude oil prices, which have retreated toward $100 a barrel after nearing $110 last week. Despite stable crude prices, consumers face soaring expenses for refined products. According to market data, U.S. retail diesel prices hit another all-time high above $6.51 a gallon on Monday, up from approximately $3.75 prior to the February outbreak of the war launched by Trump alongside Israel against Iran. Maritime security risks persist; Britain’s UKMTO agency reported that a ship entering the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile, resulting in minor crew injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Houthi forces fighting in the Taiz and Lahij provinces?
According to Yemeni military sources, Houthi fighters are seeking to capture the Kahboub Mountain heights to secure the rear of their forces around the Bab al-Mandab Strait and separate the Red Sea coast from government-held southern territory.
How has the conflict affected Saudi oil exports?
Houthi control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait disrupted Red Sea shipping routes, forcing Saudi Arabia to increase oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, where satellite data shows exports climbing to 2.9 million barrels per day.
What is the status of U.S. military involvement in Yemen?
The United States has largely stayed out of the current ground conflict after previous bombing campaigns in early 2025 ended in a ceasefire. While The New York Times reported that President Trump called off planned airstrikes at the last minute on Sunday, Reuters could not independently verify the report.
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