Houthis seize more Yemen areas after Trump cancels airstrikes

Iran-backed Houthi rebels are advancing in Yemen and intensifying attacks on Saudi Arabia after President Trump cancelled planned US airstrikes, prompting Riyadh to seek American help. The rebels are moving to seize strategic highlands in southern Yemen. If captured, these areas would let Houthis cut off Red Sea coastal zones from Saudi-led coalition territory. The Kahbub mountain ranges in Taiz and Lahij provinces separate these zones. Houthis have also expanded influence around the Bab al-Mandab strait, a critical global shipping lane. Saudi air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile near Riyadh on Saturday, with air raid sirens sounding for the first time since July. Trump stated Houthis do not want war with the US, while disruptions to both the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab straits could severely impact fuel shipments to India and China.