Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani calls for de-escalation amid US airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthis, which killed 53. Discussions with US Defense Secretary highlighted ongoing military operations and the necessity for continued security cooperation against IS. The Houthis threaten retaliation as tensions in the region escalate, with calls from Russia for the US to cease its strikes.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has called for de-escalation and dialogue as vital means to address the ongoing crises in the Middle East. His remarks followed the US military airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthi group, which reportedly resulted in at least 53 fatalities, according to reports by Xinhua. Al-Sudani asserted that Iraq is committed to this approach in managing regional issues, reinforcing Iraq’s longstanding position on such matters.
During a conversation with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s principles regarding regional challenges. Hegseth reviewed the current military operations in Yemen and outlined the US stance of continuing its actions until the Houthi group ceases its attacks on American forces and halts disruptions to navigation in the Red Sea. The meeting also reaffirmed the dedication to security cooperation within the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS).
Their discussions extended to regional security issues, particularly the conditions in Syria, with both parties expressing their intent to ensure that IS does not pose a threat from that region. Meanwhile, the ongoing US airstrikes have led to heightened tensions, with Houthi leaders indicating intentions to target US ships in the Red Sea as retaliation. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi warned that military escalation would continue if the US persisted with its aggressive actions toward Yemen.
The Houthi political bureau condemned the US airstrikes as “war crimes,” and the group’s military spokesperson claimed their forces targeted the USS Harry S. Truman and other US naval vessels in the Red Sea in response, although no evidence was provided to support this statement. The Russian government has also urged the US to halt its military strikes in Yemen as tensions escalate in this critical region.
In summary, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani advocates for dialogue and de-escalation amidst increasing tensions following US airstrikes on the Houthis. Both Iraq and the US emphasize the importance of coordinated efforts to address threats from groups like IS. The conflict remains volatile as the Houthis signal a willingness to escalate their actions against US assets in retaliation for military strikes.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
