US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on Sunday with Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi, who asked for American support against the Houthis, and made no direct pledge of military support, according to four people familiar with the call cited by The Hindu.

The White House and Yemen’s information minister did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump has already rebuffed Saudi requests for military support against the group, according to Reuters, and says publicly that Washington is in contact with the Houthis, who say they will not target American shipping. The United States designates the movement as a terrorist organisation. The call came after the Houthis this month took areas along the Bab al-Mandeb strait.