WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called upon Houthi militias to release the Yemeni employees who were detained by Houthis one year ago at the US Embassy in Sanaa.
“One year ago, Houthi forces breached the compound used by the US Embassy in Sanaa, Yemen and began detaining our Yemeni colleagues. I call on the Houthis to reunite these Yemeni citizens with their families,” tweeted Blinken on Wednesday.
In a press statement, the US Secretary of State called on Houthis to release these Yemeni citizens and return them to their families as a demonstration of their commitment to peace for the people of Yemen and willingness to participate in a future government that respects the rule of law.
He added, “As of today, 12 current and former US and UN employees remain detained. Most have had no contact with their families, and one passed away in detention earlier this year.”
“The ongoing detention of these Yemeni employees shows gross disregard for diplomatic norms and constitutes an affront to the entire international community. These actions continue to call into question Houthi willingness to see Yemen return to peace,” he said.
He concluded that the United States is committed to advancing a durable resolution to the Yemen conflict and to ensure the safety of those who serve the US government. — SPA