Saudi Arabia has right to defend itself from Houthis, Marco Rubio says

Senator Marco Rubio stated on Monday that Saudi Arabia is entitled to defend itself against attacks from the Yemeni Houthis. The US Secretary of State made these remarks ahead of his upcoming trip to Iceland and mainland Europe. He also affirmed that Washington will uphold its defense and security pact with the kingdom. Saudi-backed Yemeni forces recently launched an offensive against Iran-aligned Houthi fighters.

Yemeni government forces managed to secure control of the Bab Al Mandeb strait, the Dhubab area, and the strategic port city of Mokha on Monday. The Saudi-led coalition provided aerial support and carried out air strikes on Houthi targets. Rubio commented that "Obviously the Saudis have come under Houthi attack and see the threat that that poses, and they have a right to defend themselves.

And obviously the Yemeni forces are going to try to retake territory that they were ousted from." He was then asked whether the US would offer air support to Saudi Arabia or if the country has assisted in coordinating the counteroffensive to regain Houthi territory. In response, Rubio affirmed that "The United States has a defense and security agreement with Saudi Arabia and we intend to live by it," without providing further details.

This comes after President Donald Trump declined to request US military action from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Rubio also confirmed that high-ranking US officials had convened in an unannounced meeting at Camp David, located 100km from Washington, last week. Axios reported that Yemen was among the subjects discussed during the meeting, which included Vice President Joe Biden, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and other senior officials.

Rubio explained that "We're constantly meeting for long-term strategic planning and things of this nature." The Yemen conflict began when the Houthis took control of the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, leading to a Saudi-led coalition intervention the following year with an air campaign aimed at restoring the government and removing the rebel group.

Since then, the Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, also recognized by the UN, has maintained control over the south and east of the country from their base in the southern city of Aden. The Houthis, who are supported by Iran, have since initiated attacks on Saudi Arabia and on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.