The Houthis’ rapid advance on the western Yemeni coast has opened a new front in the Middle East war that began with February’s U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. A truce in Yemen is an urgent priority, so that hostilities do not spiral, drawing in more countries.

This week on The Horn, Alan talks with Crisis Group experts Yasmine Farouk and Ahmed Nagi about what’s behind the Houthi offensive in Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s response and the implications of emerging Saudi-backed security partnerships for the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.

The provided text contains only a schedule for an online event in Washington, DC, Brussels, and Sanaa, with no reportable conflict news.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, which previously held de facto autonomy in north-eastern Syria, have announced their dissolution, although regional tensions persist amid ongoing discussions regarding integration with the central government. Analysts suggest that any resulting compromise could establish a precedent for similar transitions elsewhere in the country.