Yemeni leader urges US cooperation amid Houthi violence surge
A Yemeni leader has reiterated the critical necessity of global support for the Yemeni government, warning that a lack of such assistance could lead to prolonging the deadly conflict.
In a meeting with US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, in Riyadh, the Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, discussed his country’s desire for a partnership with the US to address the pressing challenges Yemen currently faces, according to Asharq-Al Awsat.
These challenges include humanitarian, economic, and security aid.
Failure to engage with Yemeni leadership could precipitate significant instability within the nation.
Such non-cooperation might impede the delivery of humanitarian aid and prolong the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, it could strain relations with regional partners involved in Yemen’s peace process, thereby hindering efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.
This scenario may also embolden opposing factions, further complicating the pursuit of stability in the region.
Dr. Al-Alimi, in statements released on his website, has highlighted the critical need for global support to alleviate the suffering of Yemeni civilians affected by the ongoing conflicts and terrorist activities.
In his address during Ramadan, he asked for all to uphold the values of mercy, provide aid to the distressed and enhance humanitarian efforts for affected families.
This meeting follows just days after the classification of the Houthi militias as a ‘Foreign Terrorist Organisation’ and the imposition of US sanctions on seven senior leaders of the Iran-backed group, as revealed by Asharq Al-Awsat.
Dr. al-Alimi reaffirmed and welcomed the US decision to reclassify the Houthis as a terrorist organisation and offered Yemen’s full cooperation in handling the designation, while highlighting the need to minimise any potential impact on vulnerable groups.
The Houthi presence in Yemen has created an “untenable environment for continued aid provision in areas under Houthi control,” declared US Ambassador Dorothy Shea.
Recent reports from Yemen indicate a surge in Houthi attacks in Marib, along with clashes between Houthi militants and government forces.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg has warned the UN Security Council of escalating tensions and the potential risk of war.
Grundberg reiterated the need for all parties to avoid actions that could further escalate the situation and plunge Yemen back into full-scale conflict, where civilians would once again suffer the most, according to Asharq-Al-Awsat.
This comes as officials from US President Donald Trump’s administration declared that, should sanctions fail to achieve their intended goals, military action will be considered to halt the Houthis.
The discussions also centred on strengthening Yemen’s capacity to combat terrorism and organised crime, as well as securing its territorial waters, positioning Yemen as a key partner in safeguarding international peace and security.
The Yemeni leader expressed his firm commitment in cooperation with the United States on pressing regional threats and challenges.
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