Kerry to visit Riyadh to confer with Saudi Arabia on Yemen

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Riyadh for discussions with Saudi government leaders on Wednesday and Thursday.

The U.S. is pushing for a "humanitarian pause" in the fighting in Yemen that would allow much-needed food, fuel and humanitarian supplies to be delivered to the country and transported to places of greatest need.

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Monday that coalition countries were considering a cease-fire to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Heavy Saudi-led airstrikes targeted several airports Monday across Yemen. The airstrikes are targeting Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, who are locked in fierce fighting against forces loyal to exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi.

The State Department said Kerry plans to hold follow-up talks with officials from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states in Paris after his trip to Riyadh.