Washington  - The United States called on the Yemeni military and rebels in the northern part of the country to immediately end hostilities and allow the free flow of aid into the region.

"We call on both parties to declare an immediate ceasefire, to ensure the security and access of humanitarian aid workers in the region," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said. "And we call on all states in the region to facilitate the safe passage of emergency relief supplies to those in need."

A second ceasefire in the northern Saada province collapsed over the weekend, and fighting on Tuesday left more than 70 rebels dead. Meanwhile, the United Nations estimates that more than 100,000 people have been forced to flee the fighting.

Kelly said the US government was providing more than 3 million dollars to pay for relief supplies, food and water for those now living in camps.  dpa