Citing improvements in "its capability to independently conduct in-flight refueling in Yemen", the Saudi-led coalition announced that it had, "in consultation with the U.S.... requested cessation of in-flight refueling support for its operations in Yemen". In a statement, Secretary of Defence James Mattis indicated that "we support the decision... to use the Coalition's own military capabilities to conduct in-flight refueling in support of operations in Yemen", adding that "the U.S. will also continue working with the Coalition and Yemen to minimise civilian casualties and expand urgent humanitarian efforts throughout the country".