DUBAI: US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday and emphasized America’s commitment to helping Saudi Arabia defend its territory and people, the Pentagon said. Austin and the crown prince discussed regional security, particularly efforts to end the war in Yemen, and “ongoing bilateral efforts to improve Saudi Arabia’s defenses,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said in a statement. Austin “noted Saudi Arabia’s recent successes in defeating Houthi attacks on the Kingdom” and thanked the crown prince for working with the US special envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, to end the war, Kirby said. Last month, Lenderking criticized the Houthi militia for not engaging seriously in stalled efforts to secure a ceasefire. (With Reuters)