After gaining control of most of Yemen's Red Sea coast, Houthi forces are attempting to advance into the Kahboub mountain range. Experts believe that if successful, this move would significantly alter the balance of power in the Yemeni conflict. The mountain range is close to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping routes, with some high ground approximately 40 kilometers from the strait. This would provide the Houthis with defensive depth, making their missile and drone operations in the Red Sea easier to sustain. Earlier reports indicated that Donald Trump had almost ordered airstrikes against Houthi forces but called them off at the last minute, making the Houthi advance appear even more urgent.