US Refuses to Directly Help Saudi Arabia Fight the Houthis

The United States has refused to provide air support to Saudi Arabia in its conflict with the Houthi political-military movement, which controls northern Yemen, because Washington’s focus is directed towards Iran.

Riyadh requested air protection from the US, but Washington responded that it was unwilling to intervene as it was focused on its war with Iran, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday (15/9), citing several sources.

At the same time, a senior official from the Trump administration said that the US continues to maintain contact with Saudi Arabia. Last week, Axios reported that President Donald Trump rejected a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to launch strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

Similarly, CNN, citing several sources, reported that more than 100 US military advisers had arrived in Saudi Arabia to assist Riyadh in its military campaign against the Houthi movement.

The situation in Yemen escalated in mid-July when pro-government forces attacked Sana’a Airport as a plane from Iran carrying a Houthi leader delegation was landing.

The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the attack in the Yemeni capital. The group subsequently declared war on Saudi Arabia until the blockade around the territory they control is lifted.

In the past week, the Houthis have reportedly made significant gains in south-western and western Yemen, seizing Red Sea coastal areas as well as a number of settlements near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including the important port of Mokha.