Pompeo backs Saudi moves in Yemen

As government forces make progress in fighting around the port city of Hodeidah, the US has indicated that it will continue backing Saudi Arabia and its allies

In a statement to Congress, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo effectively gave a green light to continued American support for Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies in the war in Yemen. Against the background of growing international anger at the deaths of civilians from Saudi air strikes, Pompeo said what the Arab coalition wanted to hear. He said the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE were "undertaking demonstrable actions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure". He added that "ending the conflict is a national security priority" for the Trump administration. The timing of the American endorsement of Saudi-led action is significant. Over recent days, the coalit