US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday, discussing the advances of the Iran-backed Houthis around a vital global waterway, Reuters reports citing four people familiar with the matter.
They say that Alimi requested US support for his Saudi-backed government in its fight against the Houthi rebels, who this month took key areas along the Bab al-Mandeb strait in a lightning offensive.
Two of the sources, one Yemeni and one Western, say that Trump made no direct pledge of military support during the call.
The White House and Yemen’s information minister have not immediately responded to requests for comment.
