PNN – As Saudi Arabia prepares to launch an imminent, large-scale offensive against Yemen, the United States has once again stated its opposition to direct participation in the attack.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; two U.S. officials told the website Axios that Saudi Arabia and its mercenary forces are planning a major offensive against Yemeni armed forces in the coming days. The operation aims to drive Ansar Allah away from the Red Sea coastal areas, which have enabled them to establish full control over the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Nevertheless, for the second time in recent weeks, the United States has rejected a request from Saudi Arabia to participate in this operation and conduct airstrikes. However, U.S. officials have indicated that this stance could change should complications arise during the course of the operation.
A U.S. official explained that the Saudis have been planning this operation for weeks, and Saudi leaders approved the attack plan a few days ago. Saudi-backed mercenary ground forces in Yemen will also participate in the operation under Saudi air cover.
The U.S. official added that Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman contacted U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday to brief him on the imminent operation and to reiterate the request for U.S. airstrikes against targets in Yemen.
A U.S. official emphasized that the United States would not undertake “any direct military action” at this time.
According to a U.S. official, U.S. Central Command also harbored serious reservations about conducting strikes in Yemen, believing such action could divert focus away from Iran.
These U.S. officials stated that the U.S. military assists Saudi Arabia in all areas “short of direct participation in the war,” including the provision of intelligence and target identification data.
Pointing to U.S. intelligence support for Saudi Arabia’s strikes on Yemen, a U.S. official noted that the U.S. military has provided Saudi Arabia with more than 200 targets for attack over the past two weeks.