Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, traveled to Muscat, Oman, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 24-25. During his visit, Lenderking engaged with counterparts to address the need to halt Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. These attacks are said to threaten civilian mariners' safety, disrupt regional economies, and hinder critical humanitarian aid delivery to Yemenis and others in the area.
Lenderking emphasized measures to counter these Houthi actions by identifying and intercepting illicit goods and weapons from Iran and deterring Houthi collaboration with harmful regional and international entities.
He also expressed the United States' deep concern over the continued unlawful detention of UN, humanitarian, and embassy staff by the Houthis. The U.S. is alarmed by the Houthis' intention to bring certain detainees before a "security court," which is criticized for issuing death sentences based on forced confessions.
The Special Envoy underscored the essential role of international and diplomatic personnel in Yemen. He stressed the importance of ensuring their ability to deliver crucial assistance safely and freely to those in need.
