Saudis, US stirring up sectarian tension

Influential Iraqi Shiite cleric called on Saudi Arabia to end its military intervention in Yemen, accusing both Riyadh and the US of worsening sectarian tensions.

“The Saudi intervention in Yemen is accentuating the conflict between communities,” Muqtada al-Sadr, said in an interview with France 24, reported Rasa.

“If Saudi Arabia stopped its offensive against Yemen, it would be easier to achieve peace and stability in the region and ease tensions between Sunnis and Shiites,” he added.

Sadr also lashed out against Washington for “sowing divisions” in the Middle East.

“America is heightening sectarianism and ethnic tensions,” he said.