Trump considered ordering strikes against the Houthis in Yemen this weekend, but decided not to proceed, according to two US officials.

Trump considered ordering strikes against the Houthis in Yemen this weekend, but decided not to proceed, according to two US officials.

The move came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to take action as the Houthis advanced toward the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key choke point in the Red Sea.

Trump initially rejected the request, agreeing only to provide Saudi Arabia with intelligence and targeted support. US officials said Washington would refrain from military action unless the Houthis disrupted non-Saudi shipping.

After Saudi forces struggled to repel the Houthi advance, Riyadh again requested US strikes.

CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper prepared air strike options that were presented to Defense Secretary Gasth, but Trump ultimately decided not to launch them.

Source: Axios