Houthis Grab US Intel

US intelligence officials recently revealed that the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have managed to acquire important intelligence files on informants and counter-terrorist operations in Yemen when the Houthis seized the Yemeni capital of Sana’a back in September. Furthermore, the officials also claim that the Houthis have handed over relevant files to their Iranian backers. Yemeni intelligence services had detailed files due to the Hadi government’s close cooperation with the United States in combatting Al-Qaeda. As Sana’a fell, Yemeni intelligence officers were able to destroy some files but were unable to destroy them all. However, the Yemenis did not have access to direct US intelligence files.

Unsubstantiated reports state that President Hadi has fled Yemen, and the Saudis have launched airstrikes against the Houthi rebels while moving troops to the Yemeni border. Saudi Arabia of course has a major incentive to keep Iran away from its borders.