U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking is traveling to Saudi Arabia and Oman this week to continue discussions with partners regarding recent Houthi detentions of UN, diplomatic, and international NGO staff. The talks will also address efforts to secure an immediate end to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways.

"Houthi detentions and attacks threaten progress toward achieving a durable resolution to the conflict in Yemen and obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Yemenis and people in need across the region," stated a U.S. official.

The United States strongly supports a lasting, inclusive peace in Yemen for the Yemeni people. Special Envoy Lenderking plans to meet with counterparts to discuss steps to de-escalate the current situation and support the Yemeni people.