U.S. Advisers Provide Intelligence and Targeting Aid to Saudi Forces in Yemen Conflict
More than 100 U.S. military advisers are stationed in Saudi Arabia to give intelligence and targeting support to Riyadh’s campaign against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, while the United States limits its role to advisory functions.
U.S. officials said that over 100 military advisers are operating from Saudi Arabia to supply intelligence and targeting assistance to Saudi forces fighting the Iran-backed Houthi militia in Yemen. The advisers work within a newly created joint forces command that was established in recent weeks as Iran is believed to increase its support for Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.
According to a U.S. official, the effort includes a real-time targeting tool comparable to the Pentagon’s Maven system, and provides geospatial targeting data for Saudi strikes. The assistance is limited to advisory and coordination functions; U.S. personnel are not involved in conducting strikes, refueling aircraft, or other direct operational tasks.
The support is described as an extension of existing training and cooperation between the two allies. A Department of Defense spokesperson declined to comment on intelligence matters.
The deployment comes as Houthi forces have intensified attacks, recently seizing a Red Sea port and striking Saudi energy infrastructure, raising concerns about the security of the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, a key maritime chokepoint. U.S. officials estimate that hundreds of Iranian Revolutionary Guard officers are present in Yemen, working with the Houthis.
U.S. policymakers are monitoring the situation closely, noting that American forces are already engaged in operations around the Strait of Hormuz and are cautious about becoming directly linked to Saudi strike operations that could result in civilian casualties.
"As a matter of practice we do not comment on intelligence-related matters," a Department of Defense official said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that intelligence links Iran to recent Houthi attacks on Saudi energy facilities.