@jolyonControl of the Kahbub mountains is the prize here, and the Houthis have not gotten it. A push into that range was turned back by Yemeni government Homeland Shield units working with the Giants Brigades. Equipment was wrecked, two fighters were taken, and a drone was brought down in the same engagement. Why it matters: whoever holds the high ground over the Gate of Tears can watch the shipping corridor into Suez. Tanker traffic runs through there, and for Saudi exports it amounts to a second chokepoint alongside the Strait of Hormuz. Riyadh has asked China to lean on Iran to lean on the Houthis and get them to stand down. Source: Al Jazeera / Writer: Samuel

@jolyonControl of the Kahbub mountains is the prize here, and the Houthis have not gotten it. A push into that range was turned back by Yemeni government Homeland Shield units working with the Giants Brigades. Equipment was wrecked, two fighters were taken, and a drone was brought down in the same engagement. Why it matters: whoever holds the high ground over the Gate of Tears can watch the shipping corridor into Suez. Tanker traffic runs through there, and for Saudi exports it amounts to a second chokepoint alongside the Strait of Hormuz. Riyadh has asked China to lean on Iran to lean on the Houthis and get them to stand down. Source: Al Jazeera / Writer: Samuel