General Michael Erik Kurilla, head of the United States Central Command (Centcom), visited Saudi Arabia on April 4, 2025, amid ongoing military operations against Houthi rebel positions in Yemen. This visit marks a significant moment as the U.S. intensifies its bombing campaign initiated in mid-March 2025, aiming to undermine the military capabilities of the Iran-backed insurgents.
According to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Kurilla met with Lieutenant General Fayyad al Ruwaili, the Chief of Staff of Saudi Arabia, to discuss aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries. The focus of their discussions revolved around military and defense collaboration, although specific agreements and measures were not disclosed.
Saudi Arabia has been actively involved in the Yemen conflict against the Houthis since 2015, and the current U.S. airstrikes have reportedly resulted in significant casualties. Houthi authorities claim that these bombings have led to the deaths of at least 92 civilians across various locations in Yemen. Conversely, the internationally recognized Yemeni government asserts that dozens of combatants have been killed in the U.S. operations, which have also destroyed military infrastructure.
In retaliation to the U.S. bombing campaign, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks against U.S. naval vessels in the Red Sea, including attempts to target the USS Harry S. Truman. On the same day of Kurilla's visit, Houthi leader Abdelmalek al Huti declared that the bombings have not diminished the military strength of his group nor have they hindered their operations in the region. "It did not affect military capabilities nor could it stop operations supporting the Palestinian people, nor protect Israeli navigation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Arabian Sea," al Huti stated.
Since November 2023, the Houthis have executed hundreds of attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and have targeted Israeli territory, actions that they claim are aimed at damaging Israel economically and supporting the Palestinian cause. This has prompted a response from the U.S., the U.K., and Israel, who have conducted retaliatory operations against the insurgents.
Al Huti criticized the Arab world for its inaction since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023, asserting that only the Houthis and Hezbollah have actively responded through attacks against Israeli targets. The ongoing conflict and the U.S. military involvement have raised concerns about the humanitarian impact in Yemen, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence.
The escalation of military actions in Yemen underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with the U.S. and Saudi Arabia aligned against the Houthis, who are perceived as a threat to regional stability due to their ties with Iran. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as both sides continue their military engagements.
This visit by General Kurilla not only reflects the U.S. commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia in its military efforts but also highlights the broader implications of the conflict in Yemen, where humanitarian crises are exacerbated by ongoing warfare. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability in the region.
