Pentagon chief Austin speaks with Saudi Crown Prince about Yemen war, regional security
[ad_1]
Secretary of Defense Llyod Austin spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on June 2, highlighting the US commitment to help the kingdom defend its territory and people. According to the official statement by Pentagon press secretary John Kirby, the Pentagon chief and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia spoke about regional security with a focus on ways to end the Yemen war. Austin also thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for working closely and constructively with US Special Envoy Tim Lenderking to end the war in Yemen.
Kirby stated, “They discussed regional security, particularly efforts to end the war in Yemen. Secretary of State Austin thanked the Crown Prince for working closely and constructively with US Special Envoy Tim Lenderking to end the war in Yemen, ”he added.
Aside from the Yemen war, Austin and the Saudi Crown Prince also noted the “recent successes of the kingdom in suppressing Houthi attacks on the kingdom” and discussed ongoing bilateral efforts to improve Saudi Arabia’s defense. Saudi Arabia is an important pillar in the regional security architecture and the US remains committed to its self-defense. ”
Saudi Arabia-led coalition destroys rebel drone
Just last week, the Sudi-led coalition said it had destroyed an explosives-laden drone launched by rebels in Yemen towards the town of Khamis Mushait. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree reportedly said in a tweet on Sunday that a drone operation targeted the King Khalid Air Force Base in Khamis Mushait, which had recorded an accurate hit. Saree said it was a response to “ongoing siege and aggression”.
The Iran-allied Houthi rebels have reportedly invaded the vast region of Northern Yemen since 2014, and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in 2015 when militants stepped up cross-border attacks in the kingdom. According to reports, the Houthis are forcing an offensive to conquer the gas-rich Marib region in Yemen. The Saudi Arabia-led coalition intervened in Yemen after the Houthis ousted a Saudi-backed government from the capital, Sanaa. Meanwhile, Houthis have declared that they are cracking down on corruption and foreign aggression.
PICTURE: AP
[ad_2]
