The United States has expanded military assistance to Saudi Arabia as tensions rise with Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. CNN reports that more than 100 U.S. military advisers are currently in Saudi Arabia, where they are providing intelligence, geospatial information, and targeting support.
According to CNN’s reporting, one U.S. official estimated that the total number of American personnel involved could be closer to 200. The outlet also reported that some advisers are working with a recently established joint command designed to help Saudi forces track battlefield activity and identify potential targets.
The U.S. role remains limited. CNN reported that American forces are not directly taking part in Saudi airstrikes or providing aerial refueling, both of which were part of earlier U.S. support during the Yemen conflict.
The expanded assistance comes as Houthi attacks on Saudi targets increase. The renewed fighting has also raised concerns about security around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a major shipping route linking the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
