Yemeni rebels slam US charges that Iran is arming Houthis

SANAA — A Yemeni rebel spokesman has heavily criticized US charges that Iran is funneling missiles to the Shiite rebels in Yemen, known as Houthis.

Muhammad Abdul Salam said late Friday on Twitter that Washington is "fabricating lies" to escape the repercussions of its recent decision to recognize the contested city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a move that triggered protests in the Arab and Muslim world including in war-torn Yemen.

The US said Thursday it has "undeniable" evidence that Tehran is violating international law and unveiled segments of missiles launched at Saudi Arabia from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen. The parts, US officials say, bear markings showing they originated in Iran.

Iran denies arming Houthis.

Yemen has been embroiled in a civil war pitting the Iran-backed Houthis against a US-backed Saudi-led coalition.