U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis Wants A Political Solution To Yemen But Will Support Saudi Arabia's Military Campaign

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis is greeted by Saudi Armed Forces Chief of Joint Staff General Abdul Rahman Al Banyan (L) upon his arrival at King Salman Air Base, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Reuters: Yemen war needs a political solution: U.S. defense secretary

A political solution through U.N.-brokered negotiations is needed to resolve the conflict in Yemen, U.S. Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday as he made his first trip in the role to Saudi Arabia.

At the same time, officials have said the United States is considering deepening its role in the Yemen conflict by more directly aiding its Gulf allies, who are fighting Iranian-supported Houthi rebels.

At least 10,000 people have been killed and more than 3 million displaced in the war, now in its third year. Millions of people are also struggling to feed themselves.

The Houthis control the capital Sanaa and large swathes of territory. The United States backs the Saudi-led coalition which is trying to restore the Aden-based government of Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power, including through a devastating aeriel bombing campaign.

Read more ....

More News On The Yemen War

Jim Mattis, in Saudi Visit, Calls for Political Solution in Yemen -- New York Times
US Weighs Giving Saudis More Military Aid for Yemen Efforts -- AP
US to step up support for Saudis, says Pentagon chief -- The Hill
US Considering More Military Assistance for Saudi Arabia in Yemen's Civil War -- Newsweek
Mattis: US must overcome destabilizing Iranian influence in Yemen -- The Hill
U.S. defense secretary: must overcome Iran's destabilization efforts to help Yemen -- Reuters
Mattis Wants a Political Solution in Yemen -- American Interest
Yemen government, coalition vow to expel Al Houthi militia from Hodeida -- Gulf News
20 soldiers killed or injured in Yemen -- SKY News
Drone kills 5 Al Qaeda suspects in Yemen -- The National
Suspected US drone strike kills three al-Qaida operatives in Yemen – report -- The Guardian
Mass graves, torture, and a big battle in Yemen: The cheat sheet -- IRIN
Yemen: The Graveyard of US Policy Myths -- Kevin Schwartz, War on the Rocks