Yemen, US Talks Focus on Countering Houthi Terrorism

The terrorism of the Iran-backed Houthi militias was at the heart of discussions between Yemeni and American officials.

Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council Dr. Rashad al-Alimi received in Riyadh on Sunday the US State Department’s Counterterrorism Director for the Middle East Jesse Levinson and US Ambassador to Yemen Steven Fagin.

Discussions tackled bilateral relations between Yemen and the US, especially in countering terrorism and organized crime, and bolstering the close partnership between the two countries on various levels, reported the Saba state news agency.

The Yemenis are hoping that the latest developments in the region, namely the toppling of the Iran-backed regime in Syria and defeat of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, would mean that the Houthi defeat would be next, which would end their coup against Yemen’s legitimate institutions.

Saba added that the talks also tackled the terrorist threats posed by the Houthis and their allied groups, including their grave violations of human rights and ongoing piracy in the Red Sea with the support of the Iranian regime.

Alimi briefed his guests on the government’s reform and counter-terrorism efforts, urging international support to help it bolster its abilities to confront various threats.

He praised the close cooperation between Yemen and the US, hoping for intensified international efforts on the Houthis, including their designation as terrorist.

The US officials also met with Interior Minister Ibrahim Haidan on Saturday. “They discussed countering malign Houthi activities, our continued partnership in counterterrorism efforts, and US support for Yemen's stability and security,” said the US Embassy in Yemen on the X platform.

The officials met with Foreign Minister Dr. Shayea al-Zindani on Monday. “The conversation focused on strengthening US-Yemen relations, enhancing security cooperation, and addressing Houthi threats to international navigation,” said the embassy.