Trump, Yemen's Alimi Discuss Houthi Advances; No Military Pledge Made
Trump and Yemen's Rashad al-Alimi discussed Houthi gains near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, but sources say no US military support was pledged.
US President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday, four people familiar with the matter said, with the conversation centring on the advances of the Iran-backed Houthis near a crucial global waterway.
Alimi sought American backing for his Saudi-supported government in its campaign against the Houthis, who this month seized key areas along the Bab al-Mandeb strait in a rapid offensive.
According to two of the sources, one Yemeni and one Western, Trump stopped short of making any direct commitment of military support during the call.
Neither the White House nor Yemen's information minister responded immediately to requests for comment.
Trump has said in public that Washington is in contact with the Houthis and that the group has indicated it will not target US shipping. The United States has designated the Houthis as a terrorist organisation.
The US president has also turned down Saudi requests for military assistance against the Houthis, according to earlier reporting.