Saudi, Yemeni Forces Launch Counter-Offensive Near Bab al-Mandab as Rubio Backs Defense Pact
Updated
Updated · Department of State · Oct 5
Saudi, Yemeni Forces Launch Counter-Offensive Near Bab al-Mandab as Rubio Backs Defense Pact
3 articles · Updated · Department of State · Oct 5
Summary
Marco Rubio said Saudi and Yemeni forces were expected to counterattack after Houthi gains near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, framing the operation as an effort to retake territory and protect a strategic waterway.
Rubio said Saudi Arabia had come under Houthi attack and had a right to defend itself, while Yemeni government forces were trying to recover areas from which they had been driven.
The U.S. secretary of state declined to discuss operational details but said Washington intends to honor its defense and security agreement with Saudi Arabia, leaving open the extent of any American support.
Earlier reports said the "Yemen’s Dawn" offensive used 100 coalition warplanes and followed claims by Yemeni forces that they had secured control around Bab al-Mandab and Perim Island.