A US delegation discussed in Yemen the country’s security, economic and development needs, as well as efforts to combat terrorism and illegal smuggling.
US Envoy to Yemen Tim Lenderking and Chargé d’Affaires for the US Embassy in the country Cathy Westley conducted a visit to the governorates of Shabwa, Hadramaut and Mahra.
On a rare visit to the southeastern Shabwa governorate on Thursday, Lenderking and Westley discussed with the governor, Awad Al-Awlaki, developments on the economic and security levels, in the presence of officials from the Arab Coalition for the Support of Legitimacy in Yemen.
Local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the US delegation “focused on the security aspect, achieving security and stability, and combating terrorism.”
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the sources said: “The visit represented support for the governor’s efforts and followed a previous meeting with the chargé d’affaires of the embassy, which took place via video call.”
Earlier this year, the Southern Giants Brigades liberated three districts northwest of Shabwa from the grip of the Houthi militia, and advanced towards southern Marib, liberating the Harib district, before stopping at that point.
According to the same sources, the US side stressed the importance of “unifying military and security units, completing the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement, and enabling the security and military forces to achieve security and stability.”
The US State Department released a statement, saying that Lenderking and Westley concluded their visit to Yemen, during which they met with the Governors of Hadhramaut, Mahra, and Shabwa.
“The visit highlighted how Yemenis across the country – even those far from the frontlines – are suffering from years of political and economic instability. It provided an opportunity to discuss the needs in these governorates and efforts to strengthen basic services, economic opportunity, and security, which would allow peace to take root. This visit to Yemen also emphasized the continued challenges posed by terrorism and smuggling, which feed instability,” the statement read.
It continued: “The US delegation stressed its support for an inclusive UN-led peace process that incorporates the views of diverse Yemeni groups, including those from Hadhramaut, Mahra, and Shabwa, as well as women, civil society leaders, and representatives of other traditionally marginalized groups.”
The US State Department also noted that the visit to Yemen emphasized the importance of the international community continuing to support economic stability and humanitarian relief efforts.
