The Saudi Arabia-led military coalition in Yemen no longer seeks American support for refueling its fighter jets. The official Saudi news agency SPA reported today that the coalition called on the US to cease its assistance.
The reason given was that the coalition had recently expanded its capabilities in this area and was no longer dependent on support. The decision was taken in consultation with the US.
USA: Support „decision“
The US government confirmed the information. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the US supported Riad’s „decision“ to end cooperation on refueling their fighter jets.
The coalition has decided to „use its own military capabilities.“ So far, the US has been responsible for refueling about one-fifth of coalition aircraft deployed in Yemen.
Fierce fighting over port Hodeida
In the face of numerous civilian casualties in air strikes in Yemen, international criticism of the Saudi Arabian-led military operation has recently become stronger. Just before the weekend, more than 130 fighters were killed in the Yemeni port city of Hodeida.
Within 24 hours, 110 rebels and 22 pro-government fighters were killed, medics said yesterday in the city on the Red Sea. The government forces want to recapture the controlled by the Huthi rebels city and meet with bitter resistance.
In Yemen, since 2014, there has been a war between Shiite Houthi rebels and troops supported by Sunni Saudi Arabia and other Arab states by President Abd Rabbo Mansur Hadi. According to UN figures, around 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict, including thousands of civilians.
