Published 50 minutes ago • loading... • Updated 50 minutes ago
Houthis say US ships won’t be targeted in Red Sea
The group said it will keep striking Saudi Arabia and warned other nations against joining the conflict, as Washington reportedly backed away from planned attacks.
Houthi official Mohamed al-Bukhaiti assured the U.S. on Monday that the group will not target American vessels in the Red Sea, stating the rebels aim to avoid direct conflict with Washington.
Following a rapid advance down Yemen's western coast to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait earlier this month, Washington reached out to the Houthis in diplomatic contact confirmed by al-Bukhaiti.
Al-Bukhaiti emphasized that attacks against Saudi Arabia will persist until Riyadh ends its decade-long blockade on Houthi-held areas, warning international powers against joining Saudi forces in the conflict.
On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly pulled back from striking Houthi positions at the last minute following a call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The International Crisis Group warns the Houthi advance creates a "dangerous two-strait problem" for Saudi Arabia, with ships facing threats in both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.