Yemen war escalates: Nearly 50,000 flee homes as Iran-backed Houthi offensive threatens Red Sea trade

Yemeni government forces announced they have carried out airstrikes against Houthi fighters on the Red Sea coast following the militant group's seizure of control of the strategic shoreline. The Yemeni nation experienced a significant military surge on Saturday, specifically along its western coastline, as the ongoing clashes were described by government forces as a "battle for survival".

Saba, Yemen's government news outlet, revealed that "the armed forces destroyed vehicles and weapons and eliminated members of the Houthi terrorist militia, which is supported by the Iranian regime", close to the port city of Mocha. The Houthi militia took possession of Mocha on Thursday and the island of Mayun on Friday, securing their grip on the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a critical water passage essential for worldwide oil transportation.

According to the United Nations, approximately 46,000 individuals have been displaced within Yemen since the conflict intensified last week, although the actual number is probably higher.