US Deploys 100-Plus Advisers to Saudi Arabia as Houthi Threat Menaces Bab-el-Mandeb
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 10
US Deploys 100-Plus Advisers to Saudi Arabia as Houthi Threat Menaces Bab-el-Mandeb
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 10
Summary
More than 100 US military advisers—about 200 troops in total, one official said—are now in Saudi Arabia giving intelligence and targeting support for operations against the Houthis.
The assistance runs through a newly created joint forces command and includes real-time battlefield targeting tools and geospatial support, but stops short of direct strikes, refueling or broader operational backing.
The move follows a sharp escalation in Yemen: the Houthis seized a strategic Red Sea port on Thursday and earlier this week killed dozens of civilians in missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia.
US officials say Iran has increased support to the Houthis, with hundreds of IRGC officers believed in Yemen and a risk the group could threaten the Bab-el-Mandeb, a vital shipping chokepoint.
Washington is keeping the mission tightly limited because US forces are already stretched by the Iran war and the military remains wary of repeating past Saudi targeting support linked to civilian casualties.