US State Department Spokesperson Jeff Rathke said at a press briefing on Thursday that the United States does not have direct contact with the Houthis, but has indirect ways of communicating with them.
“The situation could escalate further and Yemen could face a period of continued political turmoil,” Koch said on Thursday.
“In order to avoid such a situation, contact needs to be initiated with the Houthis to urge them to accept the offer of peace and reconciliation talks and join other members of the Yemeni community to talk about way forward,” he added.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia launched military operations against the Houthi, who currently control large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. Bahrain, Qatar and Egypt, among other mostly Arab nations, joined the Saudi-led coalition.
Koch noted that by starting the military operation, Saudi Arabia sent a clear message of defying any interference by outsiders on the Arabian Peninsula, such as Iran’s support for the Houthis.
The military campaign came in response to Yemen President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi’s request for support. Hadi is reportedly hiding abroad at present.
