WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two senior leaders of the Iranian-backed Houthi militia for playing a key role in leading military offensives that resulted in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. Announcing the sanctions, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: "Today, the United States is taking action against two senior leaders of Houthi forces in Yemen who are involved in military offensives that exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, pose a dire threat to civilians, and destabilize Yemen. "In doing so, we are promoting accountability for Houthi actions that perpetuate conflict in Yemen and undermine peace efforts, including the brutal and costly offensive targeting Marib. These actions have come despite an unprecedented consensus among the international community and regional actors on the need for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of peace talks." The US secretary of state also said that the Houthis benefit from generous military support from the Iranian government to wage attacks against civilian population centers and commercial shipping infrastructure in Yemen, exacerbating conditions in what the United Nations calls one of the world's worst current humanitarian disasters. According to the Department of State, Al-Ghamari is being designated for his role in orchestrating attacks by Houthi forces impacting 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 neighboring states. The Marib offensive is exacerbating Yemen's humanitarian crisis, as it puts approximately one million vulnerable internally displaced people at risk of being displaced yet again, threatens to overwhelm an already stretched humanitarian response, and is triggering broader escalation. Al-Madani is being designated for the significant risk he poses of committing acts of terrorism that threaten the security of US nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the US. Blinken called on the Houthis to immediately cease all attacks and military offensives, especially their offensive against Marib, which only causes more suffering for the Yemeni people. "We urge them to refrain from destabilizing actions and to engage in UN special envoy's efforts to achieve peace," he added.
