US Steps Up Involvement in Yemen Fighting
The US government is stepping up its involvement in the conflict in Yemen, which had previously been limited to logistical support.
Reuters reports that the United States will being to provide more intelligence support to Saudi Arabia so that it can more effectively direct its airstrikes against Houthi fighters.
The decision may be intended to help bolster Saudi Arabia's international image after a series of errant airstrikes have led to massive demonstrations in Yemeni cities against the Saudi air campaign.
More than once, Saudi airstrikes have killed civilians that were not near the fighting. In one instance, the Saudis bombed a dairy factory as workers prepared milk and cheese. In another strike, the Saudis bombed a school, killing a number of children. Reuters notes that the Saudis also hit a refugee camp, killing 40.
Indeed, one aspect of the intelligence sharing that an official highlighted for Reuters involved outlining areas where the Saudis should not try to carry out airstrikes. The official also said the US intelligence sharing was aimed at giving the Saudis a better idea of how and where Houthi fighters are moving through the country.
The intelligence sharing comes after the US government announced it would expedite the shipment of arms and ammunition headed to Saudi Arabia.
Although the Saudis and their coalition partners in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf countries have been relentless in their bombing of Houthi positions, the strikes do not seem to be having their desired effect. The Houthis have not lost any of the ground they seized from the Yemeni government in recent months, and the killing of civilians by foreign governments will serve only to legitimize the Houthis to the Yemeni public.
