Trump avoids military pledge in call with Yemen's president on Houthi advances

US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday, discussing Houthi advances near a vital global waterway, but made no direct pledge of military support, according to four sources. Alimi requested US support for his Saudi-backed government against the Houthis, who recently seized key areas along the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Two sources, one Yemeni and one Western, said Trump offered no military commitment during the call. The White House and Yemen's information minister did not respond to requests for comment. Trump has publicly said the US is in contact with the Houthis, who have pledged not to target American shipping, and has previously rebuffed Saudi requests for military support.