Houthi fighters advance in Yemen highlands to cut off Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed government forces

On Monday, September 21, 2026, Houthi fighters in Yemen pushed to seize strategic highland positions in Taiz and Lahij provinces to cut off the Red Sea coast from Saudi-backed government-held areas. This follows their recent capture of the Red Sea coast and threats to the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The United States reportedly prepared airstrikes but President Trump called them off at the last minute. Saudi Arabia has launched hundreds of airstrikes, and the Houthis fired on Riyadh. The UN reports nearly 700 killed. The conflict threatens global oil supplies and has driven US diesel prices to record highs.