The US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking arrived in Saudi Arabia to hold official talks on Tuesday. Within the context of his visit, he met with the Saudi deputy defense minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. During the meeting, they exchanged views on recent developments in Yemen and ways to promote the ceasefire in the war-devastated country. The Saudi initiative and UN efforts to establish a comprehensive, sustainable ceasefire in the country were also other subjects that were discussed between the two officials.
The US State Department issued a statement regarding Lenderking’s visit to the region. According to this statement Lenderking’s visit “will focus on achieving an urgent, comprehensive, nationwide, and sustainable ceasefire to ensure the regular and unobstructed delivery of essential commercial goods and humanitarian assistance throughout Yemen and a transition to an inclusive political process.”
The US Envoy will also travel to Oman where he met with Omani officials to hold talks aiming to intensify ceasefire efforts in Yemen. In recent weeks, it was reported that Lenderking and US Congressman Chris Murphy had met with Omani officials. According to the report, during the meeting, the US officials asked Oman to help convince the Iranian-backed Houthi group to accept the ceasefire agreement.
Following recent unanswered calls on Houthis for establishing a ceasefire, the United States imposed sanctions on two Houthi military officials who led the Houthi offensives towards the Marib region. After the announcement of the US decision, Houthi leader Mohammad Al Houthi made statements dismissing the sanction decision and warned that the Houthi attacks would be maintained until the blockade is lifted.
