U.S. Envoy Questions Need for American Ground Troops in Yemen, Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia
- 2026-10-20
- 15:43:37
DOHA – U.S. envoy Tom Barrack on Tuesday cast doubt on the effectiveness of deploying American ground forces to Yemen, describing direct military intervention as an unviable option while reaffirming Washington’s continued logistical support for Saudi Arabia amid escalating confrontations with the Houthi movement.
Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha, Barrack said U.S. President Donald Trump remains committed to providing logistical assistance to Saudi Arabia in Yemen, but does not view a direct American ground intervention as an appropriate solution to the country’s long-running conflict.
Barrack also urged Middle Eastern countries to strengthen regional alliances and assume a greater role in addressing security and political challenges, rather than relying heavily on the United States to resolve regional crises.
The U.S. envoy noted that previous American efforts aimed at changing governments and political systems in the region had not always produced the intended outcomes, underscoring the need for alternative approaches centered on regional cooperation and stability.
Addressing relations with Iran, Barrack said Washington remains interested in reaching a peaceful agreement with Tehran despite ongoing tensions between the two countries. When asked whether the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran had been a mistake, he said he could not definitively answer the question, describing the consequences of the conflict as “horrific.”
Barrack’s remarks come against the backdrop of continued reports of military exchanges between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement, including missile and drone attacks as well as airstrikes. However, no independent confirmation was immediately available regarding the latest battlefield developments cited in those reports.