The United States strongly condemns the recent detentions by the Houthis of United Nations, diplomatic, and non-governmental organization staff. We also strongly condemn the Houthis’ efforts to spread disinformation regarding the role of detained current and former U.S. mission local staff through televised forced and fake “confessions.” Yet again the Houthis are seeking to use disinformation to shift blame to the United States and other outside actors for their own failures.
These Houthi actions reflect a blatant disregard for the dignity of the Yemeni people and individuals who – contrary to the Houthis’ lies – have dedicated themselves to their country’s betterment. Their efforts stand in stark contrast to the actions of the Houthis who have held them without justification for more than two-and-a-half years. Their detention, and that of the UN staff, is an affront to diplomatic norms, and they should be released immediately. We will not rest until they are.