The US Department of State announced that Washington is considering additional steps to enhance accountability for the leadership of "Ansar Allah" in Yemen.
Reuters reported statements from Ned Price, spokesperson for the US Department of State, confirming today that the United States is looking into extra measures to bolster accountability for the Houthi leadership in Yemen, stressing that the behavior of the group’s leaders must change to achieve progress in peace efforts. Price stated, "We are looking for additional ways to apply more pressure on the Houthis." He emphasized that Washington will not accept Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and their ongoing assaults against civilians.
Price highlighted that keeping sanctions against the Houthis would exacerbate the suffering of 80% of the Yemeni population living under their control. He underscored the need to guarantee an end to the Houthis’ disgraceful behavior and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
The spokesperson for the US State Department noted that the process of finding a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Yemen is gaining momentum, thanks to cooperation from Saudi Arabia. Earlier today, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on the "Ansar Allah" group in Yemen to emulate Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni government in working towards ending the war.
In remarks following a visit by his envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, Blinken stated at a UN-held humanitarian aid pledging conference, "He reported that the Saudis and the Government of the Republic of Yemen are committed and eager to find a resolution to the conflict. We urge the Houthis to match this commitment. The necessary first step is for them to halt their assault on Marib."
Blinken urged the "Ansar Allah" group to cease attacks on the city of Marib and neighboring countries, and to resume peace negotiations. During a speech at the donors' conference for Yemen today, he said, "We call on the Houthis to stop cross-border attacks and resume peace negotiations."
