U.S. President Donald Trump recently spoke by phone with Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, to discuss the expansion of Houthi rebel forces near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital global maritime choke point, Reuters reported on the 21st (local time), citing multiple sources.

According to four sources familiar with the matter, al-Alimi requested support during the call the previous day for his Saudi-backed government to counter the Houthi rebels, who have seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in a series of rapid offensives.

However, Yemeni and Western sources stated that President Trump did not promise direct military assistance during the call.

The White House and Yemen's information minister did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Houthi rebels have recently taken swift control of cities and islands near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the entrance to the Red Sea, and declared that they would block the passage of vessels belonging to Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter.

In addition, the Houthi rebels have targeted oil facilities and military bases within Saudi Arabia, fueling a rise in international oil prices.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)