Jordan participates in Saudi-led airstrikes in Yemen –– official

AMMAN –– Jordan is participating in the Saudi-led operations with other Arab countries against Houthi fighters in Yemen, an official source said Thursday.

The source, quoted by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, said the participation is aimed at supporting legitimacy in Yemen and its security and stability, reiterating that the security of Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries is a strategic interest of Jordan.

Jordan supports legitimacy and the political process in Yemen, said the source, who declined to comment on whether the Kingdom would take part in a possible ground war.

According to Al Arabiya news channel, six Jordanian fighter jets participated in the airstrikes against Houthis.

Saudi Arabia acted after the Houthis, backed by Yemeni army troops loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, advanced on Aden, threatening the southern city where President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi is based.

Other regional players were involved in the Saudi operation include the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, according to Al Arabiya, which said Egypt also announced political and military support.

Al Arabiya reported that Saudi Arabia had deployed 100 fighter jets, 150,000 soldiers and other navy units.

Meanwhile, the White House said in a statement that the US was coordinating military and intelligence support with the Saudis but not taking part directly in the strikes, according to The Associated Press.