Saudi Defense Minister Prince Mohammad bin Salman and US Defense Secretary Ash Carter discussed over the phone Monday cooperation in the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm against the Houthi militias in Yemen.

Prince Salman and Carter discussed the operation which aimed at protecting the Yemeni people and has been launched at the behest of the legitimate leadership in Yemen.

The two Ministers also discussed bilateral relations, official SPA news agency reported.

During the call Carter “praised the strategic relationship between the United States and underscored the US commitment to the region and Saudi Arabia's security,” according to a readout of the call released by the Department of Defense (DoD).

“Carter emphasized the importance of limiting civilian casualties when conducting airstrikes and working towards a political solution in Yemen to which Minister Salman agreed,” the statement said.

The two Defense Chiefs highlighted the importance of continuing to combat Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and will collaborate over the next several weeks to address security issues in the region.

Meanwhile, Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior; and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, Chief of the Royal Court, and Special Adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, arrived at King Khaled Air Base in Khamis Mushait Sunday evening (photo).

The Deputy Crown Prince was briefed on planned air operations, their types according to the specific objectives and preparations for them.

Before the taking off of the aircraft of the Determination Storm, Prince Mohammed bin Naif and Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with the Commanders of participating forces from coalition countries, and the pilots involved in the air operations.

 

Source: SPA; DoD