Arab coalition asks US to end inflight refueling support for its operations in Yemen

RIYADH - 10 November 2018: The Arab Coalition to Support legitimacy in Yemen said that its capability to conduct inflight refueling in Yemen has been increased.

In a statement, the coalition added that after consultation with the United States, it has requested cessation of inflight refueling support for its operations there, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia, and the member countries of the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, continually pursue improvements to military professionalism and self-sufficiency, read the statement.

Recently the Kingdom and the coalition have increased its capability to independently conduct inflight refueling in Yemen. As a result, in consultation with the US, the coalition requested cessation of inflight refueling support for its operations in Yemen, according to the statement.

For his part, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said that Washington is backing the decision , adding that the US government was consulted.