Washington: Houthis "Bear Major Responsibility" for the Conflict in Yemen

The U.S. State Department stated on Friday that the Iranian-aligned Yemeni Houthi group is responsible for the failure to reach a ceasefire, accusing them of not taking steps toward resolving the conflict. The department remarked, "While many parties pose problems within Yemen, the Houthis bear a major responsibility for their persistent refusal to engage in a ceasefire and take steps to resolve the ongoing conflict that has caused unimaginable suffering for the Yemeni people." The statement noted that U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking returned on Thursday after a trip during which he visited Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Jordan, where he discussed the humanitarian and economic crisis in Yemen with government officials, Yemenis, and international partners. Since taking office in January, U.S. President Joe Biden has made Yemen a priority and appointed Lenderking to help revive the stalled U.N. peace efforts. Following Lenderking's return from a visit last month, the State Department accused the Houthis of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen after attacking Marib, the last stronghold of the Saudi-backed government in the north of the country. The situation has not changed. The State Department stated, "The Houthis continue a devastating attack on Marib that is condemned by the international community and is increasingly isolating the Houthis." It added that Lenderking had discussions with Yemenis regarding enhancing "comprehensive processes" that could help citizens in discussing the country's future and bolstering peace efforts.