Yemen's Houthi group has assured the US it will not target American vessels following reports that President Donald Trump called off planned airstrikes at the last minute.
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ManyPress Editorial
Key facts
- •Houthi official Mohamed al-Bukhaiti confirmed the group does not intend to target US or international vessels in the Red Sea.
- •The US maintains between 100 and 200 military advisers in Saudi Arabia providing intelligence and targeting support.
- •Nearly 700 people have been killed and over 120,000 displaced during the recent surge in fighting, according to the UN.
- •Houthi forces are currently fighting to control the Kahboub Mountains to separate the Red Sea coast from the government-held south.
- •The US State Department has restricted travel for government employees to the Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu.
Yemen's Houthi group stated on Monday that they have assured Washington they will not target US vessels in the Red Sea. This assurance followed reports that President Donald Trump cancelled planned airstrikes against the group on Sunday. According to reports, the military had already begun loading munitions onto aircraft before the operation was called off following a call between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
By the numbers
Houthi Territorial Advances and Conflict
The Iran-backed Houthis have recently seized Yemen's Red Sea coast in a rapid advance that routed Saudi-backed government forces. The group is currently attempting to secure strategic heights in the Kahboub Mountains across the Taiz and Lahij provinces to isolate the coast from government-held areas in the south. Fighting has intensified around the Al-Wazi’iyah district and Ras al-Ara. According to the United Nations, the recent flare-up has resulted in nearly 700 deaths and thousands of injuries. Over 120,000 people have been displaced within Yemen, with thousands more fleeing by boat to Africa.
Regional Tensions and Saudi Arabia
Houthi officials maintain that their attacks against Saudi Arabia will continue until the kingdom ends its decade-long blockade on Houthi-held areas. On Saturday, explosions were reported in Riyadh, and a fuel tank at the airport bearing the Aramco logo caught fire. The US State Department has warned that the conflict could escalate rapidly and advised US citizens to reconsider travel to the region, while restricting travel for government employees to the Saudi cities of Taif and Yanbu.
Timeline
- WednesdayPresident Trump initially resisted launching airstrikes during meetings with advisers.
- ThursdayPresident Trump ordered the Pentagon to prepare for military action following a call with the Saudi Crown Prince.
- SaturdayHouthi forces reported firing on Riyadh, where explosions and smoke were observed near the airport.
- SundayPresident Trump reportedly called off planned airstrikes against the Houthis at the last minute.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews, Kathmandu Post, Al-Monitor, Anadolu Agency Middle East.
