WASHINGTON – The United States ended support for military operations by itsallies in Yemen war, besides vowing to continue to defend sovereignty andland of Saudi Arabia.
US President Joe announced a major shift in his first foreign policy speechsince taking office.
Biden said the war in Yemen “must end”.
“At the same time, we’re going to continue to support and help Saudi Arabiadefend its sovereignty and its territorial integrity and its people,” Bidensaid, adding that the Kingdom continues to be targeted with missile attacks.
He also announced the appointment of a special envoy for Yemen.
Under Mr Biden’s two predecessors, the US supported a coalition led bySaudi Arabia against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The conflict has left millions of Yemenis on the brink of starvation,besides claiming lives of nearly 110,000 people.
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Fighting between a weak Yemeni government and the Houthi movement startedin 2014 and it escalated a year later, when Saudi Arabia and eight otherArab states launched air strikes against the movement.Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Announcement
Saudi Arabia had welcomed the US commitment to cooperating with the Kingdomin defending its sovereignty and to confronting threats targeting it.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Kingdom reiterates its firm stancein supporting efforts to achieve a comprehensive political solution to thecrisis in Yemen.
It also welcomes US position underscoring the importance of supportingdiplomatic efforts to resolve the situation in Yemen, including the effortsof the United Nations Yemen Envoy, Martin Griffiths, according to the SaudiPress Agency, SPA.
