Houthis advance on Yemeni highlands after Trump halts strikes

Houthi fighters are advancing to seize strategic heights in Yemen's Taiz and Lahij provinces, aiming to cut off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed government-held areas, following reports that President Donald Trump called off US air strikes on the group at the last minute. Trump spoke with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday but made no direct pledge of military support, according to sources. The New York Times reported Trump reversed his decision to strike the Iran-backed Houthis after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged intervention, though he appeared to change his mind again by midday. The Houthis, who have controlled Yemen's capital since 2014, captured key areas along the Bab al-Mandab strait this month in a lightning offensive. Fox News reported Trump said the Houthis have agreed not to hit US targets.