Houthis push for strategic heights in Yemen as Trump calls off strikes
by@Reuters
Summary
Houthi fighters intensified their push for control in the Yemen highlands on September 21, seeking to cut off the Red Sea coast from areas held by Saudi-backed forces, following reports that President Donald Trump called off planned US airstrikes against them at the last moment. Despite calls from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for military support, Trump opted not to proceed with the strikes as tensions escalated, and the Houthis launched missile attacks on Riyadh, marking the first such attacks since recent hostilities began. The Houthis' advance threatens key oil export routes for Saudi Arabia, prompting the kingdom to reroute shipments through the more dangerous Strait of Hormuz.
Analysis
Houthis: The Houthis are an Iran-aligned armed group that seized Yemen's capital in 2014 and have since expanded territorial control. They recently captured Yemen's Red Sea coast and are now advancing into strategic highland areas to further isolate government-held territories. This push directly escalates the conflict with Saudi-backed forces and threatens regional shipping lanes. Donald Trump: Donald Trump is the President of the United States. He called off planned US airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen at the last minute despite direct appeals from Saudi leadership. This decision reflects ongoing caution about expanding US involvement in the Yemen conflict. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is a leading Gulf monarchy and US ally that backs Yemen's internationally recognized government. It has conducted intensive airstrikes on Houthi positions in response to recent territorial losses along the Red Sea coast. The kingdom now faces heightened risks to its alternative oil export pathways due to the fighting. Rashid al-Alimi: Rashid al-Alimi serves as the president of Yemen's Saudi-backed, internationally recognized government based in Riyadh. He contacted President Trump by phone to request US assistance amid the latest Houthi offensives. His administration's forces remain largely on the defensive in the south. Masoud Pezeshkian: Masoud Pezeshkian is the President of Iran. He is preparing to attend the UN General Assembly in New York as part of diplomatic efforts in the broader Middle East conflict. Iran maintains close alignment with the Houthis amid the Yemen escalation. Mohammed bin Salman: Mohammed bin Salman is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He has sought US military support to counter the Houthi advance in Yemen through direct communication with President Trump. His government's forces are under pressure from the rapid Houthi gains this month. Oil Routes: The Houthi gains have forced Saudi Arabia to reroute more oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened risks in the region. US Decision: President Trump opted against launching airstrikes on the Houthis despite last-minute preparations and Saudi requests for support. Yemen Advance: Houthi fighters are targeting key mountain positions to consolidate control over the Red Sea coast and separate it from government-held areas in the south.
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