US expands intelligence support for Saudi campaign against Yemen's Houthis

SANA'A, Yemen — The United States has expanded intelligence and targeting support for Saudi Arabia's military campaign against Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, CNN reported.

More than 100 US military personnel are reportedly assigned to the effort, with one US official putting the number at around 200. The personnel are operating as part of a newly established joint forces command, according to the report.

Washington is providing intelligence sharing and geospatial targeting assistance, including a battlefield system that gives Saudi officers a near real-time view of the conflict zone.

US personnel are not directly involved in Saudi airstrikes, however, and are not refuelling Saudi aircraft or providing other direct operational support, sources told CNN.

The expanded assistance was described by sources as an extension of existing US-Saudi military cooperation and training.

The move comes as Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia have intensified, while US officials say Iran is providing substantial support to the Yemeni group.

CNN also reported that US officials believe hundreds of personnel from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are currently in Yemen, where they are helping the Houthis develop capabilities that could threaten shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The strategic waterway links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a major route for international maritime trade.

GAROWE ONLINE