US to 'immediately review' support for Saudi-led coalition

The White House has announced an "immediate" review of US support for the Saudi-led coalition in wake of a funeral hall bombing in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, that left over 150 dead and hundreds injured.

Washington, which has been a major arms supplier to Saudi Arabia, appears to have distanced itself from the devastating Saturday bombing that took place amid Saudi-led airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, saying it was "deeply disturbed" by reports and promising to review military support for Riyadh.

White House national security council spokesman Ned Price has issued a statement saying this and other "troubling series of attacks striking Yemeni civilians" prompted the US to rethink its position.

"We have initiated an immediate review of our already significantly reduced support to the Saudi-led coalition and are prepared to adjust our support so as to better align with US principles, values and interests, including achieving an immediate and durable end to Yemen's tragic conflict," the statement said.

At least 155 people were killed in Saudi-led airstrikes that hit a funeral home in Yemen's capital of Sanaa, two health ministry officials said late on Saturday.

The Saudi-led coalition, involving several Arab countries, began a military campaign in Yemen in March 2015 aimed at preventing Houthi rebels allied to Iran and forces loyal to Yemen's deposed President Ali Abdullah Saleh from taking power.

The conflict that has left millions in need of aid and pushed communities to the brink of famine.

An estimated 10,000 people have been killed in what many term the "forgotten war", according to the UN.

--IANS

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