Saudis reject rights groups' 'accusations' over Yemen policy

GENEVA – The Saudi ambassador to the Human Rights Council says his country rejects "accusations" from two top human rights groups, who have called for Saudi Arabia's suspension from the U.N.-backed body over its military campaign in Yemen.

Ambassador Faisal Trad said Thursday that Saudi was "keen" to abide by international law, review allegations about its military operations and assist aid workers in Yemen, where a Saudi-led, U.S.-backed coalition has been fighting Shiite and other rebels since March 2015.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have called for Saudi Arabia's suspension from the Geneva-based body until Saudi forces halt indiscriminate airstrikes in Yemen that have killed over 900 civilians.

In an email to The Associated Press, Trad countered that the rights groups were "rejecting the facts" and cited "violations" by Yemeni rebels.