US reaffirms backing for Yemen's government, UAE denounces Mecca drone attack
U.S. diplomat Neil Hop told Yemen’s foreign minister Afrah al-Zouba that Washington continues strong support for the Saudi-backed Yemeni government against Iran-linked Houthi aggression, while the UAE condemned a suspected Houthi drone strike on Mecca.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Neil Hop met with Yemen’s foreign minister Afrah al-Zouba, reiterating Washington’s “strong support” for the country’s Saudi-backed government and its people in the face of Iran-backed Houthi aggression. Hop posted the remarks on X, highlighting continued American solidarity. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministry issued a condemnation of a recent drone attack aimed at Mecca, which it linked to the Houthis, though the militia denied responsibility.
The UAE also expressed support for Saudi Arabia’s security and stability. Both statements signal coordinated diplomatic backing from the United States and the UAE for Saudi-aligned partners amid ongoing regional tensions.
Why it matters
The remarks show sustained U.S. and UAE backing for Saudi-aligned allies as the Iran-linked Houthis intensify regional attacks.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Houthi strikes wound dozens in Saudi cities as coalition vows retaliation
- Sep 8 Iran announced plans to establish a maritime exclusion zone extending from the Gulf area.
- Sep 9 The European Union called on the Houthis to stop all attacks and warned of threats to regional stability and Red Sea shipping.
- Sep 10 Saudi civil defence lifted the emergency alert in Khamis Mushait following the Houthi strikes.
- Sep 11 GCC nations issued a joint condemnation of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia at the UN Security Council.
- Sep 11 The UN International Organisation for Migration says at least 46,000 Yemenis have been displaced since last week as clashes intensify.
- Sep 11 Yemen's Saudi-led coalition said the Houthis attacked the Saudi Arabian southwestern cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jazan with ballistic missiles and drones.
- Sep 11 Iranian and Saudi diplomats held talks aimed at reducing regional insecurity.
- Sep 14 The displacement figure has risen to nearly 86,000.
- Sep 16 Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone aimed at Mecca and accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of the plot, which the rebels denied.
- Sep 16 Houthis seized coastal towns and islands at the mouth of the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
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