US calls for release of embassy staff detained in Sanaa
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- Washington renewed calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained embassy personnel and other held individuals
- US officials condemned the Houthi authorities for continuing the detentions
The United States issued a statement marking the five-year anniversary of the detention of more than twenty current and former local staff members from the US Embassy in Sanaa by Houthi authorities in Yemen.
In an official statement, US officials condemned the continued holding of the Yemeni personnel, stating that the employees were carrying out diplomatic, humanitarian, and development work aimed at supporting local communities.
The statement said, "for five years, these innocent people and their families have endured separation, intimidation, and abuse," adding that "their only “crime” was working honorably to build peaceful relations and shared prosperity for Americans and Yemenis"
The US government called for the immediate and unconditional release of all US Mission personnel and others currently held in custody.
The statement criticized the Houthi leadership's reliance on detentions and intimidation against local residents, highlighting the ongoing strain in relations between Washington and the Sana'a-based authorities as international efforts to resolve the Yemeni conflict continue.
