Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Houthis Advance in Yemen as Trump Reportedly Cancels Strikes
The Houthis are fighting to take important mountain areas in southern Yemen.
These mountains could help them control routes between the Red Sea coast and areas held by Saudi-backed forces.
Saudi Arabia supports the Yemeni forces opposing the Houthis and has carried out many reported airstrikes.
The Houthis have also attacked Saudi Arabia, although Saudi officials have not commented on the reported strikes near Riyadh.
A report says Donald Trump decided not to launch new American airstrikes, but this has not been independently confirmed.
The fighting has killed nearly 700 people and forced many others from their homes.
Control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait could make it harder for Saudi Arabia to ship oil.
Saudi Arabia is sending more oil through the Strait of Hormuz instead.
The conflict is also raising risks for ships, fuel prices, and global energy supplies.
Houthi fighters are seeking the strategic Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahij to separate the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed government-held areas.
The New York Times reported that President Donald Trump canceled planned U.S. airstrikes against the Houthis at the last minute, but Reuters could not verify the report.
The Houthis have expanded along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while Saudi Arabia has launched hundreds of reported strikes in the highlands.
The United Nations says nearly 700 people have been killed, thousands injured, and more than 120,000 displaced inside Yemen, with thousands more fleeing by boat to Africa.
Saudi oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have risen to 2.9 million barrels per day as fighting threatens the Bab al-Mandab route and global energy supplies.
- Who
- Houthi fighters, Saudi-backed Yemeni forces, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and President Donald Trump are central to the developments.
- What
- The Houthis are pushing to capture strategic highlands and expand their control near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while Saudi Arabia conducts airstrikes and seeks U.S. support.
- When
- The advance and escalation occurred in September; the reported cancellation of U.S. strikes concerned Sunday, with developments reported on Monday, September 21.
- Where
- The fighting is concentrated in Yemen’s Taiz and Lahij provinces, including the Kahboub Mountains, Al-Wazi’iyah, Ras al-Ara, and areas near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
- Why
- The Houthis seek to secure their positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and open new fronts, while Saudi Arabia is trying to support allied forces and protect oil-export routes.
Houthi territorial advance
Saudi-backed resistance and U.S. restraint
Control of Yemen’s territory
Houthi territorial advance
The Houthis are seeking the Kahboub Mountains to secure their rear near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, protect positions captured during their advance, and open new fronts.
Saudi-backed resistance and U.S. restraint
Saudi-backed government forces hold areas in southern Yemen, while Saudi Arabia is conducting airstrikes against Houthi positions to slow the group’s advance.
Possible U.S. military involvement
Houthi territorial advance
The reported cancellation means the Houthis have not faced a newly confirmed direct American airstrike in this escalation.
Saudi-backed resistance and U.S. restraint
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has repeatedly urged Washington to join the fight, while the Trump administration has so far kept out of the conflict and reportedly canceled planned strikes.
Shipping and energy security
Houthi territorial advance
Houthi control around the Bab al-Mandab Strait threatens a major alternative route for Saudi oil exports and increases risks to global shipping.
Saudi-backed resistance and U.S. restraint
Saudi Arabia is redirecting more oil through the Strait of Hormuz despite higher risks, fees, and a reported projectile attack on a vessel.
- Reported U.S. action
- The New York Times reported that Donald Trump called off planned airstrikes against the Houthis at the last minute; Reuters could not verify the report.
- Strategic target
- The Houthis are seeking the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahij provinces.
- Humanitarian toll
- The United Nations reported nearly 700 deaths, thousands injured, and more than 120,000 people displaced within Yemen.
- Saudi oil shipments
- Exports through the Strait of Hormuz reached 2.9 million barrels per day, compared with 700,000 in August, according to satellite data.
- Oil prices
- Crude oil prices moved closer to $100 per barrel after approaching $110 the previous week.
- U.S. diesel price
- The U.S. retail diesel price rose above $6.51 per gallon, compared with about $3.75 before the February war.
- Maritime incident
- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a ship entering the Strait of Hormuz was hit by a projectile, causing minor crew injuries.
