The US has denounced Yemeni Al Houthi rebels’ stepped-up attacks on Saudi Arabia and confirmed its commitment to help the kingdom defend itself, the Saudi news agency SPA reported Friday.

The stance was emphasized by US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in a phone call to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Austin stressed the importance of strategic defence partnership between the two countries and Saudi Arabia’s “pivotal role” in regional security and stability, SPA said.

The US official also cited joint commitment with Saudi Arabia to confront Iran’s destabilising activities and routing the terrorist organisations in the region, the agency added.

In recent week, Al Houthis, supported by Iran, have intensified their attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden declared a halt to his country’s support for a military campaign in Yemen, pushing for a political solution there.

Designation revoked

The US has also revoked the designation of Al Houthis as terrorists due to the humanitarian crisis in impoverished Yemen.

The designation was a last-minute decision adopted by the administration of former president Donald Trump.

Biden also named Timothy Lenderking, a veteran diplomat, as the US special envoy for Yemen’s peace. Both Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government welcomed Biden’s call for peace.

Al Houthis plunged Yemen into a devastating war in late 2014 when they unseated the internationally recognised government and seized parts of the country, including the capital Sana’a.

SOURCE : GULF NEWS

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