The US reiterated support for Yemen's internationally recognised government as clashes between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces intensified, with reported strikes around Mocha and drone attacks in Marib. Saudi Arabia has asked France, Pakistan, Egypt and the UK for air-defence assistance amid declining interceptor stocks. US officials also held direct talks with Houthi representatives in Muscat, where the Houthis said they did not intend to attack US vessels and affirmed commitment to a 2025 ceasefire. Both sides reported significant strikes and counterstrikes, but many battlefield claims remain unverified.
Clashes Escalate in Yemen: US Reaffirms Support as Officials Meet Houthi Delegation in Oman
Houthi fighters stand in front of what they say is a downed Saudi jet in this screengrab from a handout video released by the group on September 16 [Reuters]
The United States on Wednesday reaffirmed its support for Yemen's internationally recognised government as fighting intensified between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi forces. US and regional officials are closely monitoring the situation amid new battlefield claims, requests for air-defence assistance and diplomatic outreach.
Frontline Developments: Yemeni government forces reported coalition airstrikes on Houthi positions around the Red Sea port of Mocha, while government-aligned units said they carried out drone strikes against Houthi targets in Marib governorate. The Houthi movement claimed it had shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet over Marib using a locally produced surface-to-air missile; independent verification of that claim was not available at the time of reporting.
Air-Defence Concerns: Saudi Arabia has asked partners in the region and the West — including France, Pakistan, Egypt and the United Kingdom — to provide air-defence support as it faces shortages of missile interceptors, two officials told The Associated Press. One official also said US interceptor stocks have declined over the course of the wider regional conflict, prompting requests for additional support.
US Military and Diplomatic Position: US Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins told Al Jazeera that Washington is "closely monitoring" the clashes and noted the longstanding military relationship with Saudi partners. At the same time, American officials held direct talks with Houthi representatives in Muscat, Oman, last weekend. According to Reuters sources, the meeting took place at the US embassy in Muscat with Omani facilitation.
During the Muscat talks, Houthi representatives reportedly told US officials they had no intention of attacking US vessels and said they remained committed to the 2025 ceasefire arrangements with the United States. Separately, Neil Hop, the top US diplomat for Yemen, told Yemen's foreign minister Afrah al-Zouba that Washington maintains "strong support" for Yemen's internationally recognised government; the US embassy in Yemen posted the statement on X.
Escalation and Claims from Both Sides: Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said Saudi warplanes launched some 40 airstrikes in 24 hours across Taiz, Marib and Hodeidah provinces. In response, the Houthis said they struck the Khamis Mushait airbase and an oil facility in the Red Sea port city of Yanbu. Al Jazeera's Yemen correspondent noted that the reported loss of Saudi jets, if confirmed, could shift the balance of power because Riyadh relies heavily on air power against Houthi positions.
Note on Verification: Many battlefield claims in Yemen are difficult to independently verify. The article reflects reports from government statements, Houthi announcements, and statements to international media by officials and spokespeople.
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