Saudi Arabia and its allies have launched airstrikes in Yemen against rebel Shiite Houthi forces gaining more ground. The mainly Gulf coalition, which also includes the US, is trying to help embattled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

US President Barack Obama spoke to Saudi King Salman, reasserting American support for Saudi Arabia’s actions in Yemen, as well as the steps taken by the rest of the coalition, the White House said in a statement.

During the conversation, both leaders agreed that stability in Yemen is the main goal and should be achieved through a negotiated political solution. Obama also stressed American commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security.

Friday, March 27

Shiite Houthi forces shot down a Saudi Arabia-led coalition jet in the north of Yemen’s capital Sanaa, Al Mayadeen TV channel reported, adding that a Sudanese pilot was arrested.

Another report from NBC said the US military rescued two Saudi pilots after they ejected from a F-15 fighter jet over the Gulf of Aden during a mission in Yemen.

The aircraft allegedly suffered a “mechanical problem.” The rescue mission took around two hours.

Saudi-led coalition air strikes continued to target Houthi positions in Sanaa, Friday, with gunfire ringing out through the Yemeni capital.