Pakistan says Saudis asked for troops, ships, planes for Yemen campaign
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistan says Saudis asked for troops, ships, planes for Yemen campaign, 6 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/552f9dce36.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 06, 2015
Pakistan's defense minister says a Saudi-led coalition targeting Shi'ite rebels in Yemen has asked Islamabad for military aircraft, warships, and ground troops.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif made the comments on April 6 as Pakistan's parliament debates whether to contribute militarily to the campaign against the rebels, known as Huthis.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has offered his verbal support for the mission.
The Saudi-led campaign entered its 12th day on April 6, targeting rebels who took over the capital, Sanaa, in September and eventually forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansur Hadi to flee.
Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf's main Sunni Muslim power and Sunni-majority Pakistan have close ties.
Last year, the Saudis gave Pakistan $1.5 billion. Saudi Arabia also sheltered Sharif after he was overthrown in a 1999 military coup.
Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
