Trump spoke by phone with Yemen’s president about the Houthis, but promised no military support — Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Sunday with Yemen’s president, Rashad al-Alimi, about the advance of the Iran-backed Houthis near the vital sea route — but made no promise of military support, Reuters reports, citing four sources familiar with the situation.

Al-Alimi asked the United States for support for his Saudi-backed government in the war against the Houthis, who this month seized control of key areas along the Bab al-Mandeb strait after a lightning offensive, the report says.

However, two of the sources — a Yemeni official and a Western source — told Reuters that Trump made no direct promise of military support during the phone call. Neither the White House nor Yemen’s information minister responded to Reuters’ requests for comment on the conversation.

Trump has said publicly that the United States is in contact with the Houthis and that the group has declared it will not attack American ships. Washington has designated the rebel group a terrorist organization.

According to Reuters, Trump has previously also rejected Saudi requests for military support against the Houthis. The call comes as the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran enters its seventh month, while Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are widening the front of the conflict.

Source: Reuters