US tepid over Yemen ceasefire

The United States has taken a step back in their support for a United Nations (UN) ceasefire in Yemen, despite internationally rallying for a peaceful resolution with calls from US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis for the same.

Quoting sources, CNN reported that the prime reason behind the sudden turn of events may be USA's fear of "angering" Saudi Arabia, which disagrees with a resolution.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is in the spotlight due to journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing, reportedly "threw a fit" when a draft of the resolution was presented to him. He pushed for discussions with western allies, delaying the process.

This comes a day after humanitarian organisations Oxfam America, International Rescue Committee, CARE US, Save the Children USA and the Norwegian Refugee Council USA, that are currently working in Yemen called for the US to take action to save Yemeni lives and cease hostilities in the region.

The war-torn region has been engulfed in a conflict since 2015, with regular clashes between Houthi militia and the Saudi-led and US-backed Arab coalition. Around 10,000 lives have been claimed in conflict till now as a raging food crisis in the country has caused widespread malnutrition and the death of children.