Clashes between Houthi fighters and Saudi-backed government forces over strategic heights on Yemen's Red Sea coast have reportedly killed as many as 169 people in three days, displacing thousands.
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Key facts
- As many as 169 people have reportedly been killed in Yemen over the last three days.
- Houthi military officials say at least 118 people died in clashes and Saudi air and artillery strikes.
- Yemeni government sources report at least 36 deaths on their side.
- Fighting has affected Taiz, al-Jawf, Marib and Saada provinces since Sunday.
- US media reported that Trump called off strikes against the Houthis at the last minute on Sunday.
Fighting has intensified in Yemen as Iran-aligned Houthi forces battle Saudi-backed government forces for control of strategic heights on the Red Sea coast, with thousands of people fleeing the violence, according to reporting by the Guardian and Al Jazeera.
As many as 169 people have reportedly been killed in the last three days as the Houthis seek to consolidate territorial gains against government forces, the Guardian reported.
Houthi military officials said at least 118 people had been killed in clashes as well as Saudi air and artillery strikes on Taiz, al-Jawf, Marib and Saada provinces since Sunday, according to Agence France-Presse as cited by the Guardian.
Yemeni government sources have said at least 36 people have been killed on their side of the conflict, the Guardian reported.
Al Jazeera reported that US media said President Trump called off strikes against the Houthis at the last minute on Sunday, as fighting on the ground intensified.
The reported casualty figures and troop movements could not be independently verified, and the sources did not provide further detail on the current status of the contested heights.
Why it matters
The Red Sea coast is a strategically vital area, and control of its heights could shift the balance in Yemen's long-running conflict. Escalating violence threatens more civilian displacement and adds to instability in a region already central to global shipping and international tensions.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have been killed in the latest Yemen fighting?
As many as 169 people have reportedly been killed over the last three days, according to the Guardian. Houthi officials cited at least 118 deaths, while government sources reported at least 36 deaths on their side.
Which areas are affected by the fighting?
Houthi military officials said clashes and Saudi air and artillery strikes have hit Taiz, al-Jawf, Marib and Saada provinces since Sunday, according to reporting cited by the Guardian.
Did the US carry out strikes against the Houthis?
US media reported that President Trump called off strikes against the Houthis at the last minute on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- Up to 169 killed in Yemen as Houthis battle for Red Sea coastal heights
The Guardian World: Thousands flee fighting as Iran-aligned group seeks to consolidate territorial gains against Saudi-backed government forces Middle East live – latest updates As many as 169 people have been reportedly killed in Yemen in the last three days as Iran-aligned Houthis battle Saudi-bac
- Houthis battle for strategic heights in Yemen as thousands more flee homes
Al Jazeera: Fighting intensifies as US media say Trump called off strikes against Houthis at the last minute on Sunday.