Saudi-led coalition announces observation of new clashes in Yemen, says trusts will of Yemenis

RIYADH, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Saudi-led coalition in Yemen announced on Saturday it observes the new developments in Yemen, citing confidence in the will of Yemenis, Sabq local news reported.

The loyalists of Yemen's former President Ali Abdallah Saleh are clashing with the Iran-backed militia in the capital Sanaa. Saleh called in a live TV on Saturday for a joint cease-fire to be agreed on by his loyalists and the Houthi militia, after clashes entered their fourth day and have resulted in the deaths of at least 80 people. "The people have revolted against Houthi aggression," he said.

Saleh urged an end to "militia rule on Yemeni land," adding that Houthis had continued their "provocative acts against Yemeni citizens."

He also demanded that armed Yemeni forces refrain from taking any orders from the Houthi militia, and called for "opening a new page with neighboring countries."

Earlier, Saleh's General People's Congress party accused the Houthis of failing to honor the truce and said in a statement on its website that the Houthis bear responsibility for dragging the country into a civil war.

The coalition has been engaged in a war against Houthis in support of the elected Yemeni government since 2015. Enditem