Yemeni refugees flee across Bab al-Mandab as fighting with Houthis intensifies

Thousands of Yemeni refugees have fled across the Bab al-Mandab Strait to northern Djibouti, escaping intense fighting between Houthi and pro-government forces in Yemen. Many refugees, including those from the front-line town of Dhubab, described fleeing due to constant bombings and their children's terror. As one refugee stated, "We don't care which side it is that's attacking. It's the bombs falling all around us that have caused us to flee." This exodus comes amid escalating conflict, with the US recently considering renewed military action against the Houthis. US President Donald Trump reportedly nearly authorized airstrikes against Houthi targets after a plea from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman but called off the operation at the last minute.