Trump reportedly considered striking Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen - CBS
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump considered the possibility of launching strikes against the Iranian-backed Yemeni Houthis over the past weekend. However, the decision has been postponed, according to CBS News.
On Wednesday, September 16, during discussions with his national security advisors, Trump indicated that he was leaning toward abandoning airstrikes.
However, after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called the US president again on Thursday to request assistance (having also asked for strikes against the Houthis 10 days prior), Trump instructed the Pentagon to prepare for airstrikes.
Nevertheless, sources reported that late Saturday evening, a decision was made to temporarily postpone US action against the Houthis, as the White House currently does not wish to expand the battlefield.
On Monday, Reuters reported that Trump had spoken by phone with Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the executive body of Yemen's internationally recognized government.
Background
Шn recent weeks, amid an escalation of the conflict, the Houthis have recaptured key strategic territories from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, particularly along the Red Sea coast.
In particular, on September 11, the Houthis captured Perim Island, located in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is critical to global oil trade. The objective is to block the strait.
Ф few days ago, Yemeni Houthis launched drone and missile attacks on Riyadh's airport and a Saudi oil hub.
