We turn now to the crisis in Yemen, where the US-backed, Saudi-led coalition has drastically escalated its assault on the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. There have been at least 200 airstrikes in the past week, killing at least 150 people. The increased fighting comes as calls grow for a ceasefire to the 3-year war, which has devastated Yemen. UNICEF has warned that the Saudi assault and blockade on Hodeidah is increasing shortages of food, drinking water and medicine. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis have both called for a ceasefire in Yemen. We speak to newly elected Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, a campaign to end US military and economic warfare. She took part in Thursday’s protest.
AMY GOODMAN: I wanted to turn now to Yemen, but also bring in a second guest, a woman who has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize — I don’t know how many times — Kathy Kelly. But the crisis in Yemen, where the US-backed, Saudi-led coalition has drastically escalated its assault on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The Guardian reports there have been at least 200 airstrikes in the past week, killing at least 150 people. One Saudi airstrike destroyed a home in Hodeidah, killing a father and his five children.
The increased attacks come as calls grow for a ceasefire to the 3-year war, which has devastated Yemen. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis have both called for a ceasefire in Yemen. On Thursday, group of Yemeni and international organizations called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning 14 million people are now on the brink of famine. The United Nations calls this the worst humanitarian catastrophe in the world.
In addition to Rashida Tlaib — and we want to get your response to this — we’re joined by Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator of…