Yemen Leader Seeks US Support Against Houthi Militia in Call With Trump

WASHINGTON: Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad al-Alimi asked US President Donald Trump for support against the Houthi militia during a telephone conversation, according to sources cited by Reuters.

The call focused on the Houthi militia’s recent advances and its growing presence near the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Four sources familiar with the conversation said Al-Alimi requested US support for Yemen’s Saudi-backed government in its fight against the Houthi militia.

Two sources, including a Yemeni official and a Western official, told Reuters that Trump did not make a direct commitment to provide military support during the call.

The conversation comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen and developments around Bab al-Mandab, one of the world’s key maritime routes.

The waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is an important passage for international commercial shipping.

The latest contact follows reports that Trump had previously rejected requests for US military action against the Houthi militia.

Trump has also said that Washington has maintained contacts with the group and that the Houthi militia had indicated it would not target US naval vessels.

Reports regarding Saudi requests for additional military support and possible US preparations for strikes have not been independently confirmed by the Pentagon.

The developments underline the continuing uncertainty over Washington’s military policy toward Yemen as the Houthi militia maintains pressure around the strategically important Bab al-Mandab region.