WASHINGTON — The United States has strongly condemned the attacks launched by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia against Saudi Arabia. "The United States strongly condemns the Houthi complex attacks against Saudi Arabia this week, including the most recent attack today in Jazan, which threatened civilian infrastructure," Ned Price, the spokesperson of the US Department of State, said in a statement early Thursday. The spokesman held the Houthi militia responsible for the ongoing crisis in Yemen. "These actions by the Houthis perpetuate the conflict in Yemen, now going into its seventh year. As US Special Envoy Tim Lenderking and UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths work side-by-side to promote UN-led peace efforts, the Houthis' actions are prolonging the suffering of the Yemeni people and jeopardizing these efforts at a moment when there is a commitment from the international community to end the conflict now," Price said in the statement. "We again call on all parties to agree to a comprehensive, nationwide ceasefire, and to engage in negotiations toward an inclusive political agreement under UN auspices," the statement added. The US condemnation came a day after the Arab Coalition intercepted and destroyed five ballistic missiles and four explosive-laden drones launched by Houthis targeting Jazan. The Houthi militia has recently stepped up attacks, targeting civilians and civilian facilities in a number of Saudi cities and regions, ignoring repeated Saudi calls for a comprehensive ceasefire in order to restore security and stability in Yemen.
