US backs Yemen's recognized government as Saudi Arabia seeks missile-defence aid amid heightened fighting
The United States reaffirmed support for Yemen's internationally recognised government while Saudi Arabia asked allies for air-defence assistance, as clashes between coalition forces and Houthi rebels intensified.
Washington reiterated its backing for Yemen's internationally recognised government on Wednesday as hostilities between the Saudi-backed coalition and Houthi forces escalated. U.S. Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins said the United States is "closely monitoring" the situation and highlighted a long-standing military relationship with Saudi partners.
Saudi Arabia, facing a shortage of missile-interceptor stocks, has appealed to France, Pakistan, Egypt and the United Kingdom for air-defence support to protect against Houthi attacks. A Saudi official noted that the United States, the kingdom's principal arms supplier, has also seen its interceptor inventory diminish during the conflict with Iran.
In parallel, U.S. officials held direct talks with Houthi representatives at the U.S. embassy in Muscat, Oman, with Omani facilitation. According to sources, the Houthis told U.S. diplomats they do not intend to target U.S. vessels and remain committed to a 2025 ceasefire agreement.
Yemen’s foreign minister, Afrah al-Zouba, received a statement from U.S. top Yemen diplomat Neil Hop affirming "strong support" for the recognized government. The Yemeni army reported that coalition forces struck Houthi positions near the port city of Mocha and launched drone attacks in Marib province. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed Saudi warplanes carried out 40 air strikes across Taiz, Marib and Hodeidah in the previous 24 hours, prompting retaliatory attacks on a Saudi airbase in Khamis Mushait and an oil facility in Yanbu. The Houthis also said they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib using a locally produced surface-to-air missile.