US President Donald Trump apparently supported Saudi Arabia’s planned military action against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Sanaa, according to an Axios report.
Axios said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman informed Trump in advance and sought endorsement.
According to the report, the incident began after an aircraft reportedly operated by Iran’s Mahan Air landed in Houthi-controlled Sanaa, carrying a Houthi delegation travelling to Iran for the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Saudi Arabia opposed the flight over concerns that it could be used to transport weapons, missile components or Iranian military personnel to Yemen.
When the aircraft later attempted to leave Yemen, Saudi forces struck Sanaa airport. The plane diverted and landed in Al-Hodeidah on Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
For its part, the Saudi-backed Yemeni government said the strike was intended to prevent an Iranian aircraft from using Yemeni territory.
The Houthis soon after responded by launching missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abha airport in the kingdom’s southwest.
A Houthi spokesperson also warned airlines against using Saudi airspace and said that the restriction would remain until the limitations imposed on Sanaa airport were lifted.
