By Phil Stewart

SHARM EL–SHEIKH (Reuters) – After a series of extraordinary attacks by Houthi fighters, Yemen, the United States General overseeing Middle East Operations told Reuters that the United States would help replenish the interceptors used to down incoming missiles.

The Iran-aligned Houthis launched a series of failed attacks on UAE targets in recent weeks. This has triggered Emirati air defenses as well as U.S. military aircraft.

We will assist with the replenishment of interceptors. We will do our best to defend UAE,” said General Frank McKenzie (head of U.S. Central Command), in an interview following a recent trip to Abu Dhabi.

McKenzie declined to provide further information. According to a source, the UAE requested U.S. replenishment for missile defense interceptors. This includes its THAAD- and Patriot-based systems.

In addition to the Pentagon’s last week announcement that a U.S. guided missile destroyer would be deployed to the UAE and F-22 fighter aircrafts advanced to combat the UAE, this latest U.S. decision will also come as a surprise. This would be in addition to its defensive support. Many lawmakers are opposed to the war in Yemen because of civilian deaths.

This conflict caused humanitarian crises and has claimed the lives of tens to thousands.

Houthi attacks spotlight so far unsuccessful U.N.-led attempts to broker an ending to war in Yemen. Since 2015, the Houthis have been fighting a Saudi Arabian-led coalition of military forces that includes the UAE.

McKenzie expressed concerns about Houthi attacks upon ally Saudi Arabia. McKenzie noted that there have been significant limits to the U.S. surveillance capacity over Yemen.

“We are very limited in ISR above Yemen. McKenzie stated that it is difficult to see Yemen. McKenzie used an acronym for military intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities which includes drones.

“It is a big country and you must make priorities.”

Experts agree that it is difficult for allies to detect and destroy Houthi launch locations without sufficient ISR. This is especially true when dealing with mobile missile-launchers.

Houthis are aware of the value they have and target U.S. drones. Since McKenzie assumed command in March 2019, the Houthis have taken down two drones from the United States and many more operated by regional allies.

Tensions are raging around the globe, including in North Korea and Ukraine. The Pentagon must deal with the competing priorities of ISR resources. This includes satellite imagery.

“I communicate where we are with Yemen with our partners. McKenzie spoke without specifying any requests, saying that she regularly communicates with U.S. defense secretary about resources needed.

“So, it’s an informed dialog that takes place within the department of defence.”

McKenzie refused to speculate about whether or not the Pentagon would dedicate more ISR to Yemen. She stated: “Anything can happen.”

Sources say that although it is a long-time target of Saudi Arabia, Houthi movements last month responded with unprecedented attacks on UAE to combat battlefield losses.

The conflict https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/fighting-eases-yemens-marib-saudi-led-coalition-revamps-forces-2022-02-08 is largely seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which the United States accuses of arming the Houthis. Houthis assert that they are fighting corruption and foreign aggression.