Houthi Offensive Intensifies Yemen Civil War, Impacts Global Energy Amidst Trump's Iran Policy
The Houthis have intensified their offensive in Yemen, leading to a resurgence of the civil war and escalating conflict with Saudi Arabia. This renewed fighting is seen as a spillover from President Trump's Iran policy. The Houthis have made rapid advances along Yemen's Red Sea coast, seizing a strategic port city and islands, thereby gaining control over the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital waterway for energy shipments. They have also expanded their offensive into Yemen's eastern region, targeting provinces with significant oil and gas fields, which are currently under the control of the internationally recognized government supported by Saudi Arabia. This escalation has displaced over 100,000 people within Yemen and forced thousands to flee to Djibouti. The Houthis have also attacked oil facilities and infrastructure within Saudi Arabia in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes.