Up to 169 Killed in Yemen as Houthis Battle Saudi-Backed Forces for Red Sea Coastal Heights

Houthi forces and Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops have clashed for three days over the Kahboub mountain range spanning Taiz and Lahj provinces, high ground overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb strait and Mayyun Island 123. Houthi military officials reported at least 118 dead from ground fighting and Saudi air and artillery strikes since Sunday, while Yemeni government sources put their own losses at 36, for a total toll AFP and the Guardian cited as up to 169 24. The Houthis said Saudi strikes killed six civilians in Mocha and nine detainees at a prison in al-Jawf province 2. The World Health Organization reported 674 people killed and nearly 3,000 injured in Yemen since August 6, with more than 158,000 displaced this month according to Yemen's Executive Unit for the Management of Displaced Persons Camps 1. The New York Times reported the Trump administration prepared airstrikes against the Houthis on Sunday before calling them off at the last minute, and the UK said it would provide aerial refueling support to Saudi aircraft 13.