Saudi and Yemeni officials said the Houthis are nearing control of much of Yemen’s coastline along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Rebel strikes in Saudi Arabia and fierce fighting in Taiz risk choking global maritime traffic and undoing 4 years of peace.

Government forces retreat south to establish alternate command center, aiming to keep vital shipping route in their hands; women and children flee Mocha for safer provinces