Washington, Sep 28 (V7N)- Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Washington on Monday for talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis.
According to the Saudi state news agency, Faisal bin Farhan and Rubio are expected to discuss bilateral relations as well as key regional and international developments.
The visit comes as fighting and security tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis have intensified in recent weeks.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sought US military assistance this month for operations against the Houthis. Washington declined to launch direct strikes but agreed to provide intelligence and targeting support, according to sources cited by Reuters.
The latest escalation followed a Houthi missile and drone attack toward Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition said on Saturday that it intercepted two ballistic missiles and two drones launched toward the kingdom.
The coalition said the missiles were headed toward Khamis Mushait, while the drones were directed toward the Riyadh area. Saudi authorities also issued overnight alerts for Khamis Mushait and Abha.
The renewed tensions have added to security concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia and the wider region as Riyadh seeks to respond to attacks from the Houthis.
Faisal bin Farhan’s talks with Rubio are therefore expected to include regional security and developments in Yemen, alongside broader US-Saudi relations and international issues.
The United States has continued to provide Saudi Arabia with support while stopping short of direct military action against the Houthis in the current escalation.
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