US President Donald Trump has stated that he is considering joining strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen alongside Saudi Arabia. This comes after a recent attack on Riyadh's airport, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people. Trump made the comments on Saturday, saying that the US would "look at it" and make a decision quickly.
The attack on Riyadh's airport occurred on Saturday and led to the suspension of operations at the airport. The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack, which is the latest escalation in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. The Saudi-led coalition has been supporting Yemen's government militarily since 2015 and has struggled to halt the Houthi advance.
Trump's comments come as negotiations between Iran and the US aimed at ending their war appear to be at a standstill. The Houthis have been largely on the sidelines of the Iran war but are now helping Iran to pressure a key US ally. The surge in attacks, including against other Saudi airports, military facilities, and oil infrastructure, has come in the week since a Saudi-led coalition launched a major military offensive against the Houthis.
A US attack would deepen American involvement in an unpopular regional war that has threatened Trump's Republican party in upcoming American midterm elections. Both Trump and Iran insist that the American election calendar has no effect on their decisions on how to end the seven-month-old conflict. The Houthis have also issued new threats to Saudi airspace after the deadly airport attack.
The developments are part of a military escalation that began in July and is the most serious in Yemen since a period of relative calm followed a truce that began in April 2022. Ahmed Nagi, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst for Yemen, said that the Houthi pressure tactics could backfire and make the Saudis more determined to continue the campaign.
Trump also said that he planned to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and would make a decision on US involvement soon. The UK defense minister has described the Houthi attack on Riyadh airport as a "dangerous escalation" and "contemptible". The incident has raised concerns about the impact on global energy flows, particularly given the importance of the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant human suffering, with thousands of people killed or displaced. The international community has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but efforts so far have been unsuccessful. The situation remains volatile, with both sides suffering losses and the potential for further escalation.
Key points
- The US is considering joining strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen alongside Saudi Arabia.
- The conflict in Yemen has resulted in significant human suffering, with thousands of people killed or displaced.
- The situation remains volatile, with both sides suffering losses and the potential for further escalation.
