US Planned Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen Canceled
At the call of the Saudi Crown Prince, the US administration, which was preparing to take action against the Houthis in Yemen, stopped the operation with a last-minute decision.
US President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen upon a plea for help from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but canceled the operation at the last moment.
Plea for Help and Trump's Decision
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman requested urgent military assistance from the US against the Houthis' increasing control in Yemen. Following this conversation, US President Donald Trump instructed Pentagon officials to prepare for airstrikes against Houthi militias in Yemen.
Last-Minute Change of Mind
According to a report by The New York Times, while target lists for the operation were approved and fighter jets began being loaded with bombs, Trump suddenly halted the operation. Having changed his mind by Sunday, Trump stated that the US would not conduct an airstrike against the Houthis for the time being.
Statements from the White House and Officials
While the White House has not made an official statement regarding the matter, a senior official emphasized that the US has a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and will always defend its allies. Another official conveyed that the president's inner circle was hesitant about Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Houthi conflict due to the strain that the war with Iran has placed on the military.