The United States has expanded its intelligence and targeting support for Saudi Arabia's military campaign against the Houthis, according to a CNN report. More than 100 American military advisors are operating inside Saudi Arabia within a new joint command established in recent weeks, totaling about 200 US personnel. The expansion comes amid assessments that Iran is increasing its assistance to Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.
The United States has expanded its intelligence and targeting support to Saudi Arabia's military campaign against the Iran-backed Houthis, according to a CNN report relayed by The Zioneer. More than 100 American military advisors are now operating inside the kingdom, providing intelligence and target selection assistance within a new joint command established in recent weeks. The command comprises approximately 200 US personnel total.
The expansion reflects a deepening US operational involvement in the regional fight against the Houthis, who have escalated attacks on Saudi civilian and military infrastructure in recent weeks. On September 8, Houthi strikes on Saudi airports and oil refineries wounded 73 civilians, as The Zioneer reported. The move also comes amid signs that Iran is stepping up its logistical and intelligence support for Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.
The new joint command structure represents a formalization of US advisory efforts in the kingdom. The reported US presence of over 100 advisors marks a significant increase from previous levels, which were not publicly detailed. The command includes both personnel dedicated to intelligence support and those involved in target selection for Saudi strikes.
The report has not been independently corroborated. The Zioneer notes that the US has not officially confirmed the expansion.
2 developments
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Source and signal
- Open-source intake