US cautious on direct military involvement in Yemen
The US is closely monitoring Yemen's Saudi-backed military operation but is not currently planning direct intervention, an official says.
Key Takeaways
AIThe news website Axios, citing a US official, reported that US Central Command has expressed serious reservations about launching strikes in Yemen, fearing such action could distract from Iran amid rising regional tensions.
The official said on Sunday that the United States is closely following the developments of the military operation launched by Yemeni government forces, with Saudi support, against the Houthis, and does not currently intend to engage directly in combat operations.
The source noted that Washington's position is not final and could change depending on developments on the ground, leaving the possibility of direct military intervention open if circumstances require.
Escalation in Yemen and the Red Sea
This stance comes as the Yemeni government announced the launch of a major military operation aimed at retaking areas held by the Houthis. In response, the Houthis said they had carried out missile and drone attacks targeting sites inside Saudi Arabia, while Saudi forces launched airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen.
In the same context, Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi announced on Sunday the start of military operations to reclaim territory under Houthi control.