Yemen: USA imposes sanctions on leading Houthi rebels

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Houthi rebel supporters hold weapons and flags during a march rally

Photo: Hani Al-Ansi / dpa

Because of the ongoing fighting in Yemen, the US has imposed sanctions on personalities associated with the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels.

The US Treasury Department announced on Thursday that the punitive measures affect Houthi supporter Said al-Jamal, who is said to have given the rebels access to Iranian oil.

At the same time, the ministry announced the lifting of sanctions against three former Iranian government officials.

"It is time for the Houthis to accept a ceasefire and time for all parties to the conflict to resume political talks," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The US would continue to put pressure on the Houthi rebels to move closer to a ceasefire in Yemen, he said.

The administration of US President Joe Biden had removed the Houthi rebels from the US terror list as one of its first acts.

In doing so, they complied with a request from aid organizations.

The rebels now control large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa.

They are currently conducting a large-scale offensive on the strategically important city of Marib, the last stronghold of the internationally recognized Yemeni government in the northern part of the country.

mjm / AFP