ADEN: Washington warned Thursday it would not “stand by” while Iran supports rebels in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition hit anti-government targets at the start of a third week of bombings.
In the most direct US criticism yet of Tehran’s backing of the Shiite Houthi rebels, Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington would not accept foreign interference in Yemen.
“There have been — there are, obviously — flights coming from Iran. Every single week there are flights from Iran and we’ve traced it and know this,” Kerry told PBS television in an interview.
“Iran needs to recognize that the United States is not going to stand by while the region is destabilized or while people engage in overt warfare across lines, international boundaries in other countries.”
Kerry said Washington was not looking for confrontation with Tehran.
“But we’re not going to step away from our alliances and our friendships and the need to stand with those who feel threatened as a consequence of the choices that Iran might be making.”
The airstrikes killed at least 14 rebel fighters in Aden overnight Thursday at positions near the northern edge of the city, a source in pro-government forces told AFP.
Airstrikes also hit a military camp in the southern Shabwa province that was seized by the Houthis’ main allies — security forces who have remained loyal to former strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh, a local official said.
US to Tehran: Hands off Yemen
US to Tehran: Hands off Yemen
