US, UK Agree Military Approach in Yemen Will Destabilize Region

White House stated that US National Security Advisor Susan Rice and UK Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond agreed that trying to impose a military solution on the conflict in Yemen could fuel regional instability.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US National Security Advisor Susan Rice and UK Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond agreed that trying to impose a military solution on the conflict in Yemen could fuel regional instability, according to a White House press release.

“They [Rice and Hammond] also discussed Yemen, agreeing that a negotiated political solution remains the best outcome, as a military-only approach will lead to further suffering and destabilization in the region,” the press release, issued on Friday, said.

On Wednesday, an international coalition led by Saudi Arabia launched a military operation against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The coalition carried out a series of airstrikes, including on Yemen's capital Sanaa's airport and a number of military positions.

Earlier on Friday, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said that the US counterterrorism approach in Yemen is a successful model despite the ongoing crisis.

The security situation in Yemen has deteriorated in the past several weeks as the country is split among opposition Houthi fighters battling troops loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in the center of the country, and al Qaeda militants gaining a foothold in the south.