US Says Houthis Bear ‘Major Responsibility’ in Yemen Conflict
The Iran-backed Houthi militias have failed to try to secure a ceasefire and take move toward resolving the brutal conflict, the State Department said on Friday.
“While there are numerous problematic actors
inside of Yemen, the Houthis bear major responsibility for refusing to engage
meaningfully on a ceasefire and to take steps to resolve a nearly seven-year
conflict that has brought unimaginable suffering to the Yemeni people,” the
department said after special US envoy Tim Lenderking returned from the region.
“Instead, the Houthis continue a devastating
offensive on Marib that is condemned by the international community and leaves
the Houthis increasingly isolated,” it added.
Lenderking visited Saudi Arabia,
Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
During his trip, he met with
senior government officials, international partners and Yemenis to discuss the
humanitarian and economic crisis in Yemen and the urgent need for a
comprehensive ceasefire to bring relief to Yemenis, continued the statement.
He coordinated closely with UN
Special Envoy Martin Griffiths during his trip and welcomed Griffiths’ latest
trip to Sanaa, which is held by the Houthis.
During his meetings with Yemenis, Lenderking also discussed the need to strengthen inclusive processes that enable the country’s citizens to discuss the future of their country and amplify voices for peace, said the State Department.
