Yemeni forces target Houthis as US rules out direct role

Key Points:

• The United States reaffirmed its support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government amid escalating conflict between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces, while also engaging in direct talks with Houthi representatives in Oman to discuss ceasefire commitments.
• Yemeni government forces reported coalition airstrikes on Houthi positions near Mocha and launched drone attacks in Marib, while the Houthis claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib and targeted Saudi military and oil facilities in retaliation.
• Saudi Arabia is experiencing a shortage of missile interceptors and has requested air-defense support from regional and Western allies including France, Pakistan, Egypt, and the UK, with the US also monitoring the situation closely and maintaining military cooperation with Saudi partners.
• Despite backing Saudi efforts, US officials held a meeting at the US embassy in Muscat where Houthis assured they had no intention of attacking US vessels and remained committed to the 2025 ceasefire agreement.
• The intensifying airstrikes and the downing of Saudi jets could signal a shift in the military balance, as Saudi Arabia relies heavily on air power to counter Houthi advances across Yemen.