U.S. military leaders split on action against Houthi rebels in Yemen

Washington — U.S. Military leaders are divided on whether President Donald Trump should get involved with the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, according to two U.S. Officials. The Saudis have been asking Trump for the U.S. Military to take action against the Houthis, a request that grew more urgent in recent days as the rebels claimed they shot down a Saudi F-15 fighter jet and were quickly advancing on Marib province, home to Yemen’s largest oil and gas fields.

Some Pentagon leaders argue that opening another front is risky due to limited defensive and long-range weaponry, while others support strikes to help Riyadh retaliate for Houthi attacks and bolster Saudi air superiority.

Trump ordered strikes against the Houthis to begin around 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, but the military was notified shortly after 2 p.m. That the order was canceled, the officials said. The leaders have presented options for the U.S. To act since Thursday, and the Pentagon has enough assets in the region to be ready to act if ordered.

Read the full story at nbcnews.com.