Saudi envoy to US: Iran advising Yemen rebels

Hezbollah, Revolutionary Guards officers aiding Houthis, al-Jubeir says after Riyadh orders airstrikes on Shiite positions

By Ken Dilanian 27 March 2015, 1:00 am

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Yemeni Houthi rebels and members of the security forces loyal to the Shiite movement inspect the damage at the scene of a Saudi airstrike targeting the group, which controls Sanaa near the airport in the Yemeni capital, on March 26, 2015. (photo credit: Mohammed Huwais/AFP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States says Iran has been playing a key role in backing the Houthi advance in Yemen.

Adel al-Jubeir says Iranian Revolutionary Guards officers, as well as operatives from the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah, are on the ground in Yemen advising the Houthis.

Al-Jubeir briefed reporters in the Saudi embassy in Washington Thursday.

His comments underscore the geopolitical rivalry at work in Saudi Arabia’s decision to order airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen. Saudi Arabia and Iran are bitter regional rivals.

The strikes are aimed at degrading the Shiite Houthis’ ability to wage war and restoring Yemen’s president, Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi. He arrived in the Saudi capital Thursday after fleeing Yemen Wednesday.