US ambassador to UN calls on Saudi to end airstrikes in Yemen

The US ambassador to the UN has called on the Saudi-led coalition to end its airstrikes in Yemen at yesterday’s UN Security Council meeting.

Samantha Power began her speech by referring to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and how children have been disproportionately affected as a result of the war and reiterated that it is the responsibility of all states in the Security Council to work to bring an end to the conflict. She then condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reiterated the kingdom’s right to self-defence. She also criticised Houthi and Saleh forces for their siege on Taiz and their indiscriminate attacks on civilians. Power later criticised the Saudi-led coalition for its irresponsible use of airstrikes in Yemen. “Airstrikes that hit schools, hospitals and other civilian objects have to stop. In many cases, these strikes have damaged key infrastructure that is essential to delivering humanitarian aid in Yemen.”

“After 19 months of fighting, it should be clear that there is absolutely no military solution to this conflict,” she added.

Power has come under criticism herself for condemning Saudi Arabia’s actions in Yemen while her government arms the kingdom.