The United States intensified its tone on Wednesday regarding the Houthi movement and Iran, stating that both entities have 'miscalculated' by underestimating the resolve of the Yemeni government, armed forces, and people to bring an end to what it termed as the 'Houthi aggression,' amidst escalating confrontations on various fronts in the country.
The U.S. embassy in Yemen issued a statement highlighting that the Houthis and their Iranian supporters 'miscalculated when they underestimated the determination of the Yemeni government, the armed forces, and the Yemeni people' to confront the group.
The statement further accused the Houthis of bringing nothing but suffering to Yemen and turning the country into a base used by Iran to 'undermine Arab unity and security.'
The embassy referenced a United Nations Security Council statement from August 7, asserting that Houthi actions, 'supported by documented Iranian backing,' have fueled the current escalation.
The statement follows a U.S. position released on Tuesday, which held the Houthis accountable for igniting the conflict and its escalations, while reaffirming Washington's stance that the Yemeni government is the only legitimate authority in the country.
The embassy emphasized the Yemeni government's 'full right to defend its people and end the Houthis' ability to engage in terrorism.'
The statement also affirmed Saudi Arabia's right to defend its territory and citizens, supporting the Yemeni government in its operations against the Houthis.
This U.S. stance emerges as several Yemeni fronts witness heightened military escalation amid clashes between government forces and the Houthis.
The statement underscores Washington's strengthened political support for the Yemeni government in this conflict, while placing responsibility for the current escalation and its regional ramifications on the Houthis and Iran.