Yemen welcomed the sanctions imposed by the US Treasury Department on five Houthi leaders accused of committing “serious human rights abuse.”
On Thursday, the US Treasury Department imposed the sanctions over charges of "committing violations against Yemenis, including arbitrary detention, and torture."
The Yemeni government hailed the sanctions imposed on the leaders of the Houthi coup terrorist militia involved in committing crimes and gross human rights violations.
The Foreign Ministry issued a statement indicating that this step comes as “a victory for the civilian victims against the tyranny and crimes of these terrorists.”
The ministry said it looks forward to similar steps by the international community to “deter Houthis militias, which have not stopped committing crimes and grave violations against civilians.”
Yemeni politicians reiterated the importance of this step, however, they considered it insufficient. They indicated that this step should include various US and international measures to designate the group as a terrorist movement.
Journalist and political writer Waddah al-Jaleel believes that the measure came very late and will not have an effect on the leaders of an outlaw militia and armed group.
However, he told Asharq Al-Awsat, that it remains an important step, especially with the details contained in the resolution about the crimes and violations committed by these leaders.
The resolution indicates that there is a possibility of punishing other leaders in this militia for their crimes and practices.
Jaleel believes that it is more important to punish the Houthis as a group, militia, and terrorist organization for all the atrocities committed since they emerged.
He indicated that Houthis follow an ideology that does not accept the other or recognize politics, and uses violence and weapons as a means of control.
They threaten the local, regional, and international security, and violate local and international norms and laws, stressed Jaleel.
The journalist noted that this step could be a prelude to the anticipated designation of the entire group as a terrorist organization, especially given its link to Iran.
Jaleel believes this classification will later help in limiting the group’s role and the threats it poses.
He considered the presence of Houthis a stigma that should be terminated, especially that exists at a time when the international community praises its protection of human rights and respect for freedoms.
Jaleel stressed that the entire group should be punished, calling for pursuing all parties and entities affiliated with it.
