Trump Declines Saudi Request for Strikes on Houthis

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly asked President Donald Trump twice to carry out direct strikes on Houthis in Yemen, but Trump declined the request. The US will instead provide intelligence and targeting assistance to support Saudi operations against the Houthis. The request came as the Houthis completed their takeover of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic chokepoint. The US is also deploying military advisers to aid the Saudi campaign, according to reports.