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Yemen government forces seize strategic mountains overlooking Bab el-Mandeb
Yemeni government forces have reported seizing strategic high ground in the Taiz and Lahj governorates, including Mount Qarfan and Jabal Zalat. These positions overlook the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. The seizures follow intense fighting with Houthi rebels, who have been attempting to expand their control from the Red Sea coast into the rugged highlands.
The conflict has seen a marked escalation, with Houthi forces conducting a rapid advance that has displaced approximately 125,000 people near Mokha. In response to the shifting front lines, the Yemeni Air Force has conducted precision strikes against Houthi military hardware and positions in Al-Bayda and Taiz.
On the international stage, US President Donald Trump reportedly prepared to launch airstrikes against Houthi targets following pleas from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but ultimately canceled the operation at the last minute. This decision has reportedly caused tension between Washington and Riyadh, as Saudi Arabia seeks more direct American military support to counter Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory and commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Entities
Bab al-Mandeb Strait · Bab el-Mandeb · Donald Trump · G7 · Houthi movement · Houthi rebels · Mohammed bin Salman · Saudi Arabia · United Nations · Yemen · Yemeni government
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 8 SOURCES] Houthi forces are attempting to seize the Kahboub Mountains to control strategic heights overlooking the Red Sea. www.aljazeera.com · cyprus-mail.com · stvincenttribune.com · trinidadtribune.com · barbadosgazette.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The US government has advised Americans to seriously reconsider travel to and through the Middle East. uk.news.yahoo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 125,000 people were displaced in a matter of days following the Houthi advance into Mokha. www.ksfr.org
- [● 11 SOURCES] US President Donald Trump reportedly ordered airstrikes against Houthi rebels but canceled them at the last minute. cyprus-mail.com · stvincenttribune.com · trinidadtribune.com · barbadosgazette.com · www.aljazeera.com · +4 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] G7 foreign ministers called on the Houthis to cease military actions and attacks against civilian shipping.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Yemeni government forces contained Houthi offensives in Taiz and Marib through counterattacks and coalition air support. www.leo.bo · www.longwarjournal.org
- [● 2 SOURCES] Renewed hostilities in Yemen have resulted in at least 674 deaths and the displacement of over 158,000 people. www.aljazeera.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Houthis claimed to have launched missile attacks against Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. uk.news.yahoo.com · www.aljazeera.com · cyprus-mail.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Government forces used counterattacks and coalition air support to contain Houthi offensives in the Taiz and Marib provinces. www.leo.bo
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 125,000 people were displaced following the Houthi advance into Mokha. www.ksfr.org
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Yemeni Air Force conducted precision strikes against Houthi positions and military hardware in the Al-Bayda and Taiz governorates. www.khabaragency1.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Yemeni government forces seized the strategic Jabal Zalat mountain, which overlooks the Al-Omari area and Bab el-Mandeb. dailymeezan.com