Houthis Advance on Yemen Highlands After US Airstrikes Halted

Houthi fighters advanced Monday to seize strategic highlands in Yemen and cut off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed forces, following a report that President Donald Trump called off US airstrikes at the last minute. The Iran-backed group's lightning advance this month has extended the Middle East conflict and threatened global energy supplies. The New York Times reported Trump halted strikes Sunday despite pleas from Saudi Arabia's crown prince, though Reuters could not verify this. Nearly 700 people have been killed and over 120,000 Yemenis displaced in the fighting. The Houthis aim to secure the Bab al-Mandab Strait, threatening Saudi oil exports, while US diesel prices hit a record high above $6.51 per gallon.