On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it has engaged in discussions with the Chief of Staff of the Yemeni Army, Major General Sagheer bin Aziz, and several military leaders in the region as part of efforts to combat maritime attacks by the Houthi group, which is internationally classified as a terrorist organization.

According to a statement released by CENTCOM on its X account, monitored by Barran Press, General Michael Eric Kurilla met with General bin Aziz in Riyadh to discuss intensifying efforts against Houthi maritime assaults.

The meeting with General bin Aziz was part of a broader series of discussions held by Kurilla during his visit to the region from November 16 to 22, which included meetings with political and military officials in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.

The U.S. official addressed the situation in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab, and the Gulf of Aden, amid ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and threats to international navigation.

CENTCOM's statement highlighted the discussions regarding Iranian-backed Houthis and the increased efforts required to counter their attacks on military and commercial vessels in the region.

The command reaffirmed the United States' commitment to regional stability, strengthening military partnerships, and discussing necessary actions to address current security challenges.

In line with this effort, General Kurilla also met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces, Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, and his senior officers. The discussions focused on gaining insights into Saudi perspectives on regional issues and proposing ways forward.

The talks primarily revolved around regional security challenges, opportunities to reduce tensions, and increasing efforts to counter Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab.

On Monday, CENTCOM reported the deployment of a U.S. warship within its area of responsibility as part of its ongoing maritime operation "Guardian of Prosperity" aimed at deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Since October, the Houthi group has launched missile and drone attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden, leading to increased marine insurance costs and prompting many international shipping companies to opt for longer routes around the southern tip of Africa.

To deter the Houthis, the U.S.-led "Guardian of Prosperity" coalition, primarily involving the United Kingdom, began airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024, as the group expanded its operations to target vessels associated with Washington and London.