A US official revealed on Monday that President Donald Trump considered launching a military strike against the Houthis in Yemen over the weekend but decided to postpone it.
The official explained that the strike had been planned for the weekend, but Trump chose to delay it, without disclosing the reasons for the decision or a potential timeframe for reconsidering the operation.
These developments come amidst rapidly escalating military tensions in Yemen, following a resurgence of large-scale clashes between the Houthis and forces loyal to the internationally recognized Yemeni government, and the end of a period of relative calm that had eased fighting since 2022, according to the Associated Press.
**Advances on the West Coast**
In recent weeks, the map of territorial control in Yemen has shifted, marked by a back-and-forth struggle between government forces and the Houthi militia. The Houthis advanced along the west coast, seizing the coastal city of Mocha and other strategic locations, including Mayun Island at the entrance to the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
However, government forces have succeeded in dealing significant and impactful blows to the Houthis over the past few days.
These areas hold particular strategic importance due to their location overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait—a vital maritime corridor connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean—thereby reigniting concerns regarding the security of navigation and international trade.
Meanwhile, Yemeni government forces have announced a regrouping of their ranks, affirming their determination to return to the west coast and retake the areas lost during recent clashes. Areas within Taiz Governorate have also witnessed strikes targeting Houthi positions.
US Official: Trump Postponed Planned Strike Against Houthis
