The United States announced Thursday (20 May) sanctions against two senior leaders of the Houthi group in Yemen due to their role in the continuing offensive in the country's Marib province, which is exacerbating the humanitarian situation and has paralysed the peace talks.
Sanctions have been placed on Abd Al Karim Al Ghamari and Yusuf Al Madani, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said. Al Ghamari is the chief of staff of Houthi forces and Al Madani is a field commander supervising the Marib campaign.
Blinken said that Al Ghamari was being sanctioned for his role in orchestrating attacks that have impacted Yemeni civilians.
“He most recently took charge of the large-scale Houthi offensive against Yemeni government-held territory in Marib governorate, as well as attacks against Saudi Arabia and neighbouring states.”
The Houthis launched an assault on the Marib governorate in February. Fighting is ongoing just a few kilometres outside of the main city, also called Marib. Both sides describe the battle as strategically important.
The US Special Envoy for Yemen, Timothy Lenderking, said Washington was pushing for a ceasefire but is disappointed with the Houthis refusing to meet with the US team in Oman this month.
Lenderking also said that all ports and airports in Yemen should be opened to ease the humanitarian crisis.
He added that Washington had levers to press and sanctions fell into that category.