Rubio affirms US security pact with Saudi Arabia, calls Yemen fighting counteroffensive

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed on Monday Washington's firm commitment to its binding security pact with Saudi Arabia, describing ongoing military developments in Yemen as a counteroffensive aimed at regaining territory seized by the Houthis. Speaking to the media, Rubio stated that these recent movements should not be linked directly to the threat reported last week at Britain's Fairford air base. Rubio emphasized that the United States intends to honor its bilateral security agreement with Riyadh, noting that both the kingdom and Yemeni forces firmly reject any continued Houthi presence near the strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait. He explained that Washington anticipated this counteroffensive to recapture territories held by the militia, adding that Saudi Arabia has repeatedly faced Houthi attacks, clearly recognizes the ongoing threat, and retains every right to defend itself. These remarks coincide with heightened military tensions, as Saudi-backed Yemeni government troops reported capturing key positions in the Dhubab district near Bab al-Mandab, during an operation designed to retake areas seized recently by Houthi fighters.