Heavy fighting has intensified in southern Yemen as Houthi forces press to capture strategic mountain positions overlooking key Red Sea waterways, amid reports that the United States called off planned airstrikes against the group at the last minute.
Officials report that the renewed hostilities have killed at least 674 people and forced more than 158,000 residents to flee their homes. According to witnesses, Houthi fighters are currently battling to take control of the Kahboub Mountains, located across the Taiz and Lahj provinces. The mountain range holds significant strategic importance due to its position overlooking Mayyun Island in the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The assault on the Kahboub heights follows Houthi advances earlier this month, during which the group seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, including the key port city of Mocha, before capturing Mayyun Island. Local reports indicate Houthi forces are seeking to advance into the mountainous terrain to secure their rear positions following their coastal gains.
The escalation on the ground coincides with diplomatic friction between Washington and Riyadh. Media reports indicate that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has repeatedly urged the United States to join military operations against the Houthis, though Washington had initially rebuffed those requests.
The New York Times reported Monday that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump had prepared to conduct airstrikes against Houthi positions on Sunday following renewed appeals from Saudi leadership. However, the strikes were called off at the last minute while munitions were actively being loaded onto U.S. aircraft. Analysts noted that the decision highlighted the U.S. administration’s hesitation to enter a new military conflict while American military assets in the region remain stretched.
In a televised address, Houthi leader Abdel-Malik al-Houthi stated that the U.S. was evaluating joint military operations with Saudi Arabia against his forces, asserting that regional conditions had left American and Israeli forces preoccupied. Al-Houthi warned Washington against military escalation, stating that the conflict would continue as long as U.S. policy seeks dominance over Yemen.
Sources
* [Al Jazeera News](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/22/houthis-battle-for-strategic-heights-in-yemen-as-thousands-more-flee-homes?traffic_source=rss)
Source: Al Jazeera News
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Story synopsis gathered from: Al Jazeera News — source
