US adds to Yemen aid, blames Houthis for obstruction

The US announced on Monday an additional $165 million in aid to Yemen, as the country continues to grapple with a humanitarian crisis caused by long-term conflict and poverty.

In a conference call with reporters, US Special Envoy for Yemen Timothy Lenderking and USAID Assistant Administrator for Humanitarian Assistance Sarah Charles, stressed that Washington has no intention to wait for a drop in violence before it increases humanitarian aid.

"I've heard some people suggest that it does not make sense to continue to provide humanitarian assistance absent progress on the peace process. We reject this," Lenderking told reporters. "The United States rejects this notion. Yemen continues to face the threat of mass famine, and humanitarian assistance is critical to preventing this."

The US is the largest single donor of humanitarian aid to Yemen, having given more than $3.6 billion since the crisis began, according to the State Department.

Other countries are stepping up to give assistance, such as Qatar, which recently donated $100 million toward relief in Yemen. In addition, there is hope that the upcoming UN General Assembly in September will generate more funding.

Lenderking and Charles are working to find a sustainable solution to the conflict, as well as to improve the humanitarian and economic crises, which are both fuelling the conflict.

In discussing aid, the speakers raised concerns about the Houthis, the rebel group that has fought against Saudi-backed forces in the north and has support from Iran. They said that the group has been price gouging fuel on the black market in the north, preventing economic and aid activity.

"The Houthis' single-minded focus on the offensive in Marib has undermined UN efforts to reach a comprehensive ceasefire. This offensive is putting millions of people at risk and poses a grave threat to the humanitarian situation," said Lenderking.

"The situation is stalemated and many are questioning why the Houthis should continue an offensive that is just leading to pointless death and destruction."

According to the speakers, obstruction by the Houthis has concerned the US and international community to the point where they need to reconsider aid distribution in certain areas.

"In March of 2020, we did partially suspend about three percent of our programs in Houthi-controlled areas due to Houthi interference in our partners’ operation," said Charles.

"We also added new monitoring requirements to track interference and to give us the flexibility to adjust or terminate funding as necessary."

Lenderking emphasized that the US does not want the situation in Yemen to affect the ongoing Iran nuclear deal talks. He also said that the Houthis have been isolated by the international community, with the exception of Iran.

He noted that neighbouring countries Saudi Arabia, and Oman - which he praised for its "constructive engagement" with the Houthis - have announced their support for a ceasefire. The speakers, however, made little mention of Saudi Arabia's role in Yemen’s conflict, only to say that all parties should help ease the flow of humanitarian aid.