Rubio says Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself amid Houthi attacks

WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on Monday that the United States will adhere to its security commitments towards Saudi Arabia amid escalating military confrontations with the Houthis in Yemen. Speaking to reporters before his European tour, Rubio stated that the US has a defense and security agreement with Saudi Arabia and plans to honor it.

Rubio reiterated that Saudi Arabia has the right to defend itself against ongoing Houthi attacks. He noted, "The Saudis have come under Houthi attacks, and they have a right to defend themselves." The Yemeni government forces are also striving to reclaim territory lost in previous battles.

Addressing the situation at the Bab Al-Mandab Strait, Rubio emphasized that both Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government forces aim to prevent Houthi control over the vital maritime route. He described the counteroffensive as a foreseeable occurrence during the conflict.

Rubio's statements followed Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi's announcement of Operation Dawn of Yemen. The military campaign aims to retake the capital Sanaa and restore state institutions from Houthi control. Al-Alimi claimed that the operation involved Yemen's armed forces and allied military units with assistance from the nation's allies.

Additionally, Yemeni government forces have reportedly seized control of Dhubab district and strategic locations surrounding Bab Al-Mandab as the offensive progressed.