WASHINGTON: U.S. military leaders are divided over possible strikes against the Houthis, NBC News reports. The debate intensified after President Donald Trump ordered an attack for Sunday and then cancelled it.
Trump had ordered strikes to begin around 5 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time Sunday. Military officials learned shortly after 2 p.m. Eastern Time that he had cancelled the order.
One official said future military action remained under consideration. Some military leaders have argued against opening another front in the region.
They cited ongoing U.S. operations linked to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. They also raised concerns about stocks of defensive weapons and long-range munitions.
Other Pentagon officials favour strikes to support Saudi Arabia after recent Houthi attacks. The group also claims it shot down a Saudi F-15. The Houthis have advanced toward Marib, which contains major Yemeni oil and gas fields.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to provide greater U.S. military support during a Thursday phone call, one official said. Trump then asked the Pentagon for new strike options.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine later convened an emergency Pentagon meeting. Officials discussed possible military operations against the Houthis.
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NBC News said commanders have since presented Trump with options to weaken Houthi capabilities and slow their advances.
The United States is already sharing intelligence with Saudi Arabia, NBC News said. It is also helping with military planning and providing advisers and logistical support.
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Washington and the Houthis reached a ceasefire last year. Under the agreement, the United States stopped military strikes and the Houthis stopped attacking U.S. ships.
The White House and the Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to NBC News requests for comment. The Pentagon declined to comment.
