US Charge d’Affaires to Yemen Neil Hope met Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba to discuss ways to increase international pressure on the Houthi militia, the US Embassy in Yemen said on Sunday. The talks centered on expanding support for sanctions against the group, holding its leaders responsible for recruiting child soldiers, and strengthening democratic institutions so they can deliver better services to Yemenis.

According to the embassy, the discussions aimed at building broader international backing for measures targeting the Houthis. Officials also addressed accountability for the recruitment of child soldiers by Houthi leaders. A further topic involved steps to empower democratic institutions inside Yemen with the goal of improving public services for the population.

Hope heads the US embassy team responsible for carrying out the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy priorities in Yemen and the wider region. Those priorities include protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and stopping the area from turning into a safe haven for terrorism.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the United States and Yemeni authorities to coordinate responses to challenges posed by the Houthis. Details released by the embassy highlight a shared interest in applying diplomatic and economic tools while supporting institutional development that can benefit ordinary Yemenis.

(arabnews)