Houthi fighters are pushing to seize strategic mountain positions in Yemen as the Iran-aligned group seeks to consolidate its control of the Red Sea coast and strengthen its position around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Five Yemeni military sources said the Houthis were targeting the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahij provinces, which separate the Red Sea coast from territory controlled by Saudi-backed government forces.
The latest advance follows a rapid Houthi offensive that has expanded the conflict and raised concerns about global energy and shipping routes. Nearly 700 people have reportedly been killed, while about 130,000 Yemenis have been displaced during the latest escalation.
Meanwhile, a report said US President Donald Trump cancelled planned American airstrikes against Houthi targets at the last minute after Saudi Arabia urged Washington to intervene. Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.
The developments have increased pressure on regional energy supplies, with Saudi Arabia shifting more oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
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