U.S. Officials Express Disdain for European ‘Freeloading’ Amid Yemen Strike Planning

Texts exchanged between U.S. officials reveal concerns over European reliance on American military efforts in Yemen. Vance criticized the need to support Europe, while Hegseth echoed similar sentiments. This information was disclosed in an Atlantic article about U.S. strike planning against Houthi militants.

Recent communications between Vice-President J.D. Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth highlight a perceived resentment towards European allies, whom they accuse of ‘freeloading’ on U.S. military efforts in Yemen. These discussions, which were revealed in a story by The Atlantic, raise concerns about European nations’ contributions to countering Houthi militants, known for their disruption of shipping in the Red Sea.

In the exchanged texts, Vance expressed frustration about the prospect of again supporting Europe, stating, “I just hate bailing Europe out again.” He emphasized the need to take preemptive actions to protect Saudi oil installations from potential risks. Hegseth chimed in, stating, “It’s PATHETIC,” and affirmed his solidarity with Vance’s views on European dependence on U.S. military initiatives.

This exchange surfaced after Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic’s editor, was unintentionally included in a group chat with senior officials from the Trump administration. These conversations involved plans for military operations against the Houthis, underscoring the complexities surrounding U.S. foreign military engagements and their relationships with NATO allies.

The texts between Vice-President Vance and Defence Secretary Hegseth expose a significant frustration regarding European reliance on U.S. military support. This sentiment reflects a growing concern within the U.S. government regarding its allies’ contributions to shared security objectives. Additionally, the context of the communications sheds light on the operational planning against Houthi militants in Yemen while calling attention to the dynamics of international defense partnerships.

Original Source: www.scmp.com