Saudi Arabia Plans Major Yemen Offensive; US Declines Direct Air Support
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, two American officials speaking to the Axios website revealed that Saudi Arabia and its proxy forces are preparing for a large-scale assault on Yemeni armed groups in the coming days. The stated objective of this operation is to dislodge Ansar Allah from the Red Sea coastal regions, which would grant complete control over the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
However, for the second time in recent weeks, the United States has refused Saudi Arabia’s request to participate in the operation through airstrikes. U.S. officials have indicated that this stance could change if the operation encounters significant difficulties.
A U.S. official explained that Saudi Arabia has been planning this operation for weeks, with Saudi leadership approving the attack plan several days ago. The offensive is expected to involve Saudi mercenary ground forces in Yemen operating under Saudi aerial cover.
The American official further stated that Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman contacted U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Thursday to brief him on the impending operation and reiterate the request for American airstrikes against Yemeni targets.
An American official emphasized that the United States will “not undertake any direct military action at this time.”
Additionally, according to a U.S. official, U.S. Central Command had serious reservations about conducting strikes in Yemen, believing such actions might divert focus from Iran.
These U.S. officials clarified that the American military is assisting Saudi Arabia in all aspects “short of direct involvement in the war,” including providing intelligence and targeting data.
Another U.S. official, referencing American intelligence support for Saudi Arabia’s planned attack on Yemen, noted that the U.S. military has provided Saudi Arabia with more than 200 potential targets for attack over the past two weeks.
