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Saudi Arabia says air defenses intercepted Houthi attacks
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Sources report no direct US military commitment during leaders’ call
Two sources familiar with the matter said President Donald Trump made no direct pledge of US military support during a September 20 call with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi. Alimi requested assistance for Yemen’s Saudi-backed government as Houthi forces advanced near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The account establishes neither a US commitment nor a broader policy decision; the White House and Yemen’s information minister had not commented.
Fighting shifts toward heights linking the Red Sea coast and southern fronts
Five Yemeni military sources told Reuters that Houthi forces were pressing toward the Kahboub Mountains in Taiz and Lahij, with fighting around Al-Wazi'iyah and Ras al-Ara. The sources said taking the heights could protect recently captured positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and enable new fronts toward government-held southern areas. Reuters did not independently verify a separate report that planned US airstrikes were called off, and US Central Command did not respond to its request for comment.
Reuters: Houthis push for control of Yemen highlands as Trump reported to have called off airstrikes
Houthi official describes indirect contacts through Oman
Houthi political-bureau member Mohamed al-Bukhaiti told the Associated Press that the group had assured US officials through Oman that it would not target US or other non-Saudi vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. He said attacks involving Saudi Arabia would continue until Riyadh ended its blockade of Houthi-held areas and allowed vessels to reach Houthi-controlled ports. These are the group’s stated positions, not evidence of a verified agreement or compliance.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels warn against joining Saudi Arabia in Yemen's growing civil war
Missile aimed at Riyadh intercepted
Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile directed toward Riyadh at dawn on September 19 and thwarted attempted attacks on Baish, Taif, Farasan and Yanbu. Saudi authorities reported no casualties or damage. The Houthis separately claimed attacks on sites in Riyadh and an Aramco facility in Yanbu, but those claims were not independently established.
Flames, smoke seen near Riyadh airport; Houthis claim attacks on Saudi capital · Saudi Air Defenses Intercept and Destroy Houthi Ballistic Missile Bound for Riyadh · Saudi-led coalition says defences intercept Houthi missile fired at Riyadh