Austin reiterates to Bin Salmán his “commitment” to defend the kingdom and highlights the “successes” against the attacks of the Houthis
MADRID, 3 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Secretary of Defense of the United States, Lloyd Austin, has addressed in a call with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohamed bin Salmán, the “efforts” to “end the war in Yemen” and has expressed the commitment of Washington in the defense of the kingdom.
This was explained this Wednesday by the Pentagon spokesman, John Kirby, who has stressed that in the telephone conversation both have discussed “regional security”, according to a statement from the Department of Defense.
Austin has highlighted the “recent successes” of Saudi Arabia in the “defeat of the attacks of the Houthis against the kingdom” and has discussed the “bilateral efforts underway to improve the defenses of Saudi Arabia”, said the spokesman.
“Saudi Arabia is an important pillar in the regional security architecture and the United States remains committed to its self-defense,” he reiterated, adding that Austin thanked the Saudi crown prince for “working closely and constructively” with the special envoy of America, Tim Lenderking, to “end the war in Yemen.”
The war in Yemen pits the internationally recognized government, led by Abdo Rabbu Mansur Hadi and supported by an international coalition led by Saudi Arabia, and the Houthis, backed by Iran.
The rebels control the capital, Sana’a, and other areas in the north and west of the country. The conflict has escalated on several fronts in recent months, despite international mediation efforts, in a war that has caused what is the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
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