U.S. Condemns Houthi Restrictions on Aid, Demands Unhindered Access

The U.S. Embassy in Yemen expressed deep concern over the continued arbitrary restrictions imposed by Houthi militias on the movement of commercial goods and humanitarian supplies through key routes, including the recently reopened Al-Dhalea-Sana’a highway after years of closure.

In a post on X, the Embassy stated:
"The reopening of this road was supposed to alleviate suffering, but Houthi restrictions on goods, illegal taxation at checkpoints, and obstruction of supplies from the south to the north are making life even harder for Yemeni citizens."

The Embassy accused the Houthis of turning "hope for lower prices and easier travel into another ordeal," citing their practices of confiscating food supplies, cooking gas, and imposing unlawful fees on trucks—further worsening Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.

Washington called on the militias to "comply with international and humanitarian agreements and ensure the free flow of aid and essential goods without obstruction," warning that continued restrictions "deepen the crisis and deny millions their basic rights to food and medicine."

The statement comes as Yemen faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters, with widespread hunger and disease fueled by the ongoing conflict and aid access barriers.