Washington is providing intelligence and targeting support to the Saudi-backed offensive against the Houthis, but will not take part in the fighting, Axios reports. Saudi Defens…
Washington is providing intelligence and targeting support to the Saudi-backed offensive against the Houthis, but will not take part in the fighting, Axios reports. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman requested U.S. airstrikes from…
Assessment
The U.S. is deepening its operational role in Yemen by supplying intelligence and targeting support for a Saudi-led offensive against the Houthis, while publicly staying out of direct combat. Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman personally requested U.S. airstrikes from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, signaling a high-level push for American firepower. The distinction between support and participation will blur quickly if Houthi retaliation targets U.S. assets or if civilian casualties from American-guided strikes draw scrutiny. Watch for whether the White House defines this as a limited engagement or a new phase of the Yemen war.