US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington will uphold its defense commitments to Saudi Arabia amid escalating conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels. Rubio emphasized the US intention to stand by its ally, despite the complex and dangerous nature of the ongoing fighting.
The US commitment to Saudi Arabia's defense is crucial for regional stability and impacts global energy markets, given Saudi Arabia's role as a major oil producer. Escalating conflict in Yemen and potential US military involvement could disrupt shipping lanes and affect oil prices.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Washington will uphold its defense commitments to Saudi Arabia amidst intensifying conflict with Yemen's Houthi rebels. Speaking to Fox News, Rubio affirmed, "We have a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. We intend to live up to our commitments on it. We will." He described the conflict as "very dangerous and complicated."
Saudi Arabia reported intercepting a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh on Saturday, with residents reporting explosions and seeing flames and smoke near the capital's airport. The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on targets in Yanbu, Taif, Baysh, and Farasan, stating they had seized key territory along the Red Sea coast and were advancing toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In response, Saudi Arabia has launched airstrikes.
Earlier in the month, the Houthis reportedly seized Yemen's entire Red Sea coast and areas adjacent to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. According to reports, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had called President Donald Trump twice seeking US strikes against the Houthis, but Trump declined. Trump also stated that the Houthis had contacted the White House to say they did not wish to fight the US. Separately, Rashad al-Alimi, head of Yemen's Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council, called Trump to request American support against the Houthis, though Trump did not promise military aid during the call.
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