The Houthi militia called on Saturday former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and his National People’s Congress to dialogue to end the clashes in the capital Sana’a. In a televised address, Houthi leader Abdul Malek al-Houthi said: “We were surprised with the wave of attacks against us by supporters of the National People’s Congress… we are faced with an important moment and all sides should demonstrate the greatest responsibility.” The forces of the Congress had seized from the Houthis several vital locations in Sana’a, including the airport and Defense Ministry. Houthi advised Saleh to act “wiser” than the “reckless” militias. He also refuted allegations that his militants had attacked the residences of Saleh supporters, adding: “We had in recent days exercised the greatest levels of restraint against unjustifiable assaults.” He turned to the rational and wise Yemeni figures, urging them to play a major role in reining in the “reckless militias” and seek out those wanting to spark strife. Houthi indirectly threatened to take military action against Saleh’s supporters, saying: “If the militias insisted on being rash, then all sides must cooperate to secure the situation.” Earlier on Saturday, Saleh had issued a statement urging “the great Yemeni people in all regions and provinces, starting with the noble tribal leaders … to rise up to defend themselves, nation and revolution … against the conspiracy plotted by the Houthi movement.”