US task force aiding Saudis with intel, planning support: US official

A US military task force is currently aiding Saudi forces in intelligence sharing and planning support, according to a US official. This development comes as the kingdom faces attacks from Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen. The US Central Command has established this task force to strengthen security ties with Saudi partners in addressing regional challenges.

Since the civil war in Yemen reignited in July, the Houthis have been engaged in renewed fighting against Saudi-backed government forces. They have also seized control of Yemen's Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which has become increasingly crucial due to the broader US-Iran conflict choking off the Strait of Hormuz, another vital Middle East shipping route.

The Houthis have targeted oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the world's leading crude exporter, while the kingdom retaliates with air strikes in Yemen. Recently, Trump stated that the Houthis have requested the US not to intervene. The Yemen war began in 2014 when the Houthis seized the capital Sanaa, leading to Saudi Arabia's intervention on the government's side.

Iran has supported the Houthis with weapons and technology but denies involvement in the current conflict. Saudi Arabia accuses the Houthis of attacking Mecca, while Yemen media reports that US strikes on Hodeida killed ten Houthis. The Houthis claim they launched missiles at Israel and the US warship.