U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for a cease-fire in Yemen.
In a statement Tuesday, Pompeo said all parties involved in the nearly four-year civil war need to join U.N. Special Envoy Martin Griffiths in negotiating a peaceful solution.
Specifically, Pompeo said Houthi rebels must stop their missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and that the Saudi-led coalition must stop its airstrikes in all populated areas of Yemen. He added that a "cessation of hostilities" will not only help negotiations, but also help with the country's humanitarian crisis.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis echoed Pompeo's sentiments while addressing a forum in Washington, saying all parties need to take part in U.N.-led peace talks within the next 30 days. Mattis also said Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates appear to be on board with Griffiths' peace efforts.
The Yemeni civil war has devastated residents. The U.N. estimates over 6,000 civilians have been killed since the conflict began, and over 10,000 have been injured. The U.N. also says the country is on the brink of famine, estimating that nearly half its population could soon have to rely on foreign aid to survive.
