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    Houthis Capture Strategic Heights in Yemen After US Airstrike Cancellation

    Section editor: ·Low3 articles covering this·3 news sources·Updated 11 days ago·MENA
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    Map highlighting Houthi advances in Yemen and displacement figures.

    What happened

    Houthi fighters advanced to seize strategic heights in Yemen's Taiz and Lahj provinces after US President Donald Trump called off planned airstrikes.

    The Context

    • Escalating conflict: The Houthis have gained control of key areas along Yemen's Red Sea coast, threatening Saudi oil export routes.
    • Humanitarian crisis: Over 125,000 people have been displaced since early September due to intensified fighting.
    • US involvement: Trump's last-minute cancellation of airstrikes reflects a cautious approach to deeper military engagement in the region.

    The Number

    125,000

    This figure represents the number of people displaced by fighting in Yemen since early September 2026, highlighting the urgent humanitarian needs that could affect international relations and aid efforts.

    Takeaway

    As the situation evolves, expect increased scrutiny on energy routes and humanitarian responses from global stakeholders.

    3 Articles
    The Guardian

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

    Houthi fighters are advancing to capture strategic heights in Yemen, aiming to cut off the Red Sea coast from areas controlled by Saudi-backed forces. This escalation follows U.S. President Donald Trump's last-minute decision to cancel airstrikes aga...

    RT Arabic

    "أكسيوس" يكشف أسباب تراجع ترامب عن ضرب الحوثيين رغم الطلب السعودي

    Axios reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had planned to strike the Houthis in Yemen in response to a Saudi request but ultimately decided against it to avoid the repercussions of opening a new front in a vital waterway.

    France 24 Middle East

    Saudi Arabia left without US help against Houthis

    Saudi Arabia is facing a critical situation as the United States has declined to provide military assistance against Houthi attacks, despite longstanding ties between the two nations. This refusal follows a series of missile strikes by Iran-backed Ho...

    France 24

    Saudi Arabia left without US help against Houthis

    Saudi Arabia is facing a critical situation as the United States has declined to provide military assistance against Houthi attacks, despite longstanding ties between the two nations. This refusal follows a series of missile strikes by Iran-backed Ho...