U.S. Calls for Peaceful Solution to Yemen Crisis

The United States on Wednesday said it was closely monitoring a crisis in Yemen that has seen Shiite militia seize much of the capital Sanaa, with Washington calling for a peaceful solution.

President Barack Obama "is being updated by his national security team," on the unrest, a senior administration official told AFP, as the government of President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi -- a U.S. political ally -- teetered on the brink.

"We strongly condemn the violence and those stoking it in an effort to disrupt Yemen's political transition," the official said on condition of anonymity. 

"We will continue to support efforts to bring about a peaceful solution."

The powerful Huthi militia have fought pitched battles with government forces this week as they press for more political power. 

At least 18 people were killed as the gunmen seized Hadi's offices at the presidential palace and attacked his residence. 

Yemen's government is seen as a key ally in the fight against al-Qaida, which has long operated in the unstable Gulf nation.