US President Donald Trump has rejected a request from Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi for Trump Yemen military support against the Iran-backed Houthis, according to a Reuters report. Alimi had sought US assistance as the Houthis continued to expand their control over parts of Yemen.
Trump makes no formal pledge to provide military backing to Alimi’s internationally recognised administration. The plea came after Houthi forces made significant progress along Yemen’s Red Sea coast in recent weeks.
Trump Yemen Military Support Request Rejected
Alimi was hardly the only regional leader that sought US participation. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also frequently encouraged Trump to contemplate military intervention as the crisis with the Houthis worsened.
Trump has thus far hesitated to unleash airstrikes against the Houthis. His decision means that the US will not directly back the Yemeni government or Saudi Arabia in the current conflict.
The US position came after conversations between American officials and Houthi representatives in Oman earlier this month. During those talks, the Houthis reportedly told US officials that their conflict was not aimed at the US.
The Houthis also assured the authorities that they would not attack US military bases or US-linked ships. Following these assurances, Trump opted not to take military involvement in the Saudi-Houthi confrontation.
Houthis Expand Control Along Red Sea
The Houthis’ gains have altered the situation on Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The organization has taken control of the Red Sea port of Mocha, as well as the nearby city of Dhubab and the island of Perim.
Mocha is a historic port that has long played a significant role in Red Sea trade and navigation. Dhubab is also strategically positioned, overlooking the Bab al-Mandeb, the southern entrance to the Red Sea.
Perim is particularly vital because it is located in the midst of the river. Its placement splits the passage into two shipping channels.
The Bab al-Mandeb is a major marine passage in the world. The waterway carries approximately 12% of worldwide seaborne oil and 30% of container traffic.
As a result of the Houthis’ territorial gains, pressure has intensified on a crucial international maritime route. Trump has, however, continued to resist calls for direct US military intervention against the group.
As the Houthis’ advances continue, Alimi’s administration has yet to get a direct US military commitment from Trump.
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