A “sound plan” for a nationwide ceasefire in Yemen has been before Houthi leadership for “a number of days,” but it appears the group is prioritizing a military offensive to take Marib, the US special envoy on Yemen, Tim Lenderking, said on Friday.
“I will return immediately when the Houthis are prepared to talk,” Lenderking told the Atlantic Council think tank after a 17-day visit to the region to revive efforts to end the six-year conflict.
“If we cannot make progress now, the country will spiral into greater conflict and instability,” he warned.
The Iran-backed Houthis rejected the proposal on Friday, saying the “it has nothing in it.”
“We now have a sound plan for a nationwide ceasefire with elements that would immediately address Yemen’s dire humanitarian situation directly,” Lenderking said. “That plan has been before the Houthi leadership for a number of days.”
He provided no further details, and said the plan has Saudi support.
The Houthis, however, have pressed a drive on the gas-rich region of Marib despite international calls for them to stop. The United Nations has warned that millions of civilians are at risk.
“Tragically, and somewhat confusingly for me, it appears that the Houthis are prioritizing a military campaign to take Marib ... over suspending the war and moving relief to the Yemeni people,” Lenderking said.
He announced that the United States would restore humanitarian aid funding for northern Yemen, and said Washington would work with the governments of Yemen and Saudi Arabia to find a way to deliver fuel to Yemenis who need it most.
The United Nations describes Yemen as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
