Saudis plan major offensive against the Houthis, but U.S. won't join for now

Saudi Arabia and Yemeni government forces plan a major counteroffensive against Iran-backed Houthis in coming days to push them from Red Sea coast areas controlling the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, two U.S. officials say. The U.S. rebuffed Saudi pleas to join airstrikes for the second time in weeks, though officials say that could change if the operation struggles. Houthis recently seized key coastal areas and escalated missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.