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US slams Houthis for attacking Saudi Arabia and perpetuating Yemeni conflict

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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; also said in a statement early Thursday.

The spokesman also held the Houthi militia responsible for the ongoing crisis in Yemen.

"These actions by the Houthis also perpetuate the conflict in Yemen; now going into its seventh year. As US Special Envoy Tim Lenderking and further 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 also intercepted and further 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 further 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.