• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. MBS asked Trump to strike Houthis in Yemen.
  2. Trump rejected the request, avoiding direct US military action.
  3. US focuses on Iran, Strait of Hormuz, not new conflict.

Saudi-Houthi Conflict: Amid escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, a report has emerged suggesting that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) asked for US President Donald Trump’s help to launch strikes against the Houthis. The report is significant as it represents a shift from Saudi Arabia's position in July, when Riyadh asserted it could handle the Houthi threat on its own.

US Seeks To Avoid Direct Military Action

According to Axios report, citing two US officials, MBS called Trump twice on Thursday and urged him to launch strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. However, Trump rejected the request. The US officials further stressed that the administration currently has no plans to take direct military action against the Houthis.

The request came as the conflict in Yemen has rapidly escalated with the Houthis moving closer to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key waterway for global trade and Saudi oil exports. Earlier, Washington had expressed concern about the fighting in Yemen and stepped up to support its close ally Saudi Arabia. However, at the same time, it also avoided becoming directly involved in another military conflict.

ALSO READ: 'No Military Response Under Mecca Pact': Pakistan U-Turns On Saudi Defence After Houthis Attack Its Largest Energy Sites

On Thursday, Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, travelled to Saudi Arabia for urgent coordination meetings, according to sources familiar with the matter. Meanwhile, several other reports suggest that US military and civilian officials have told Saudi counterparts in recent weeks that Trump's directive is to keep American forces focused on Iran and protect the Strait of Hormuz, while avoiding the opening of another military front.

How The Saudi-Houthi Conflict Escalated?

The latest confrontation between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis began in July after Riyadh stopped an Iranian plane carrying senior Houthi officials from landing in Sanaa. Following the incident, MBS had asked Trump for political backing to strike Sanaa airport. Trump extended his support after greeting assurance that Riyadh did not need direct US military assistance.

The Houthis later retaliated by attacking Saudi tankers in the Red Sea and subsequently expanded their attacks to Saudi energy facilities. Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni allies also responded with airstrikes. The latest escalation occurred on Tuesday, when Houthis struck an airbase in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in nearby cities, injuring 73 people.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Caught In Saudi-Houthi Crossfire As Riyadh Seeks Help To Rein In Iran; Will Islamabad Enter War?

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