Saudis ‘very pleased’ with U.S. help in Yemen air campaign

WASHINGTON – Saudi Arabia is praising the U.S. for helping an Arab air campaign against Yemen’s rebels.

The Saudi ambassador in Washington, Adel al-Jubeir, says the U.S. has been “very supportive” of the operation politically and logistically. He says the kingdom is “very pleased” with the level of co-ordination with the U.S.

Al-Jubeir spoke Friday after meetings with State Department officials.

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Saudi Arabia bombed strongholds of the Shiite rebels for the second day, seeking to knock out the rebels’ air defences before a possible ground invasion. The Houthis control Yemen’s capital and several provinces.

Al-Jubeir said the mission was clear: Support Yemen’s legitimate government, protect civilians and prevent militants armed with heavy weapons, ballistic missiles and air power from “controlling, dominating and damaging Yemen and its people.”