Pompeo thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for supporting the decision to announce a ceasefire The Arab coalition announced a two-week ceasefire in Yemen on Wednesday LONDON: The United States on Thursday urged the Houthis to reciprocate a ceasefire in Yemen announced by the Arab coalition on Wednesday due to the coronavirus pandemic. "The announcement is a constructive response to the UN Secretary General"s call for the parties to focus on countering the COVID-19 pandemic," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. "We urge the Houthis to respond in kind to the coalition"s initiative," he said. Pompeo also thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for supporting the decision to announce a ceasefire. The two-week ceasefire in Yemen started at midday on Thursday. Later Thursday, the UK"s foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, said the ceasefire was an "important step towards the permanent ceasefire Yemenis need." "I urge the Government of Yemen and the Houthis to immediately cease all hostilities and engage constructively with these proposals," he said. "We must grasp this precious opportunity for peace in Yemen."