Washington Worried about Riyadh’s Goals in Yemen Conflict

Local Editor

In a recent article published in the "The Wall Street Journal" [WSJ] website, the US seems to be restless towards the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen. In the light of this, it is "expanding its role, vetting targets and scouring ships bound for Yemen as a result."

The WSJ article, based on information from UN officials, indicated that the "...US officials worry mounting civilian casualties will undermine popular support in Yemen and in other Sunni Arab countries backing the campaign."

In all honesty, the article continues and sheds light on the number of non-military victims: "At least 648 civilians have been killed since the intervention began, and Saudi-led strikes have hit hospitals, schools, a refugee camp and neighborhoods."

Then again, the Saudi had blamed the Yemeni Houthis for civilian casualties and claimed they were doing their best to limit them.

However, the article pointed out quoting officials involved in the discussions that "US officials have grown concerned that some Saudi leaders may be shifting their war aims, wanting to bomb the rebels back to their base in the country's north."

It also stated quoted US intelligence assessments indicating that "such an extended campaign could take a year or longer."

Henceforth, the article mentioned that officials on both sides declared that "in recent meetings, Saudi officials have told their American counterparts they want the air campaign to be decisive and don't want to take half-measures because they believe the Houthis will use any pause to regroup and restart their offensive later."

More importantly, the article highlighted US worries of the repercussions of the Yemeni crisis.

In a way or another, the US fears it would lose grip of Yemen through the curtailed "counterinsurgency operations" and drone strikes against Yemen-based al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Edited by website team