US could join Saudi-Yemen war against Houthis if upcoming large-scale offensive goes south - report
Saudi Arabia asked the US whether it would provide aerial support during the operation, but it was refused twice over the past few weeks.
The United States may join Saudi Arabia's operation against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen if the upcoming large-scale offensive proves unsuccessful, according to American officials cited by Axios. The operation, set to begin in the coming weeks, aims to retaliate against the Houthi's recent advances and seizure of the Bab al-Mandab strait, a crucial maritime route.
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces will primarily conduct ground operations, while Saudi air strikes provide aerial support. Despite previously declining US support, officials now suggest a possible participation should the mission go awry. The offensive could involve up to 100,000 Yemeni troops, depending on its scale. Saudi Arabia believes it cannot engage in new peace talks with the Houthis while they retain control of the Bab al-Mandab, which grants them significant global influence.
Michael Ratney, a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia, anticipates a narrowly focused attack to retake coastal areas and restore normal maritime traffic, aiming to bring things back to pre-Houthi control.
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