Saudi ambassador: War turning against Yemen's rebels

WASHINGTON (AP) — Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S. says Yemen's war will turn against the rebels even as his government scales back its air offensive.

Adel al-Jubeir (AD'-duhl ahl-joo-BEHR') says the Saudi-led coalition will respond to attacks by Houthi (HOO'-thee) rebels as part of its new mission.

On Wednesday, he suggested strikes would soon combat a three-pronged militant attack on the city of Aden.

Al-Jubeir told a news conference, "We will not allow them to take Yemen by force."

He expressed doubt in the Houthis embracing peace talks, saying they've violated many previous agreements.

Al-Jubeir said the battlefield was shifting because the Saudis have destroyed much of the Houthis' advanced weaponry.

He said Yemen's "popular committees," backed by Saudi military aid, would intensify efforts to retake the capital and other Houthi-controlled areas.

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