Trump, in call with Yemen president, did not pledge military support against Houthis, say sources

By Timour Azhari Sept 21 (Reuters) - US President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi on Sunday, four people familiar with the matter said, discussing the advances of the Iran-backed Houthis around a vital global waterway. Alimi requested US support for his Saudi-backed government in its fight against the Houthis, who this month took key areas along the Bab al-Mandeb strait in a lightning offensive. Two of the sources, one Yemeni and one Western, said Trump had made no direct pledge of military support during the call.