WH: US Backs 'First Step' in Addressing Yemen Crisis, Urges Political Talks

The United States on Friday welcomed what it called a "first step" by Saudi Arabia to allow humanitarian aid to reach Yemen, and called for political negotiations to address the ongoing crisis in the wake of the Saudi-led coalition's blockade there.

"Millions of Yemenis are currently enduring severe deprivation," the White House said in a statement welcoming the decision to re-open a port and airport. "The United States continues to believe that this devastating conflict, and the suffering it causes, must be brought to an end through political negotiations."