The United States has condemned the seizure of four Yemenia Airlines planes by the Houthi rebels, who are designated as a terrorist group by the US. The planes were carrying Hajj pilgrims to Sana'a International Airport.

US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, expressed his condemnation during a meeting with Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, stating that the Houthi's actions have hampered the airline's ability to serve the Yemeni people.

In a brief statement released on X (formerly Twitter) seen by Barran Press, the US Embassy in Yemen reiterated its support for the Yemeni government's efforts to implement reforms and combat corruption.

The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council formed a government committee on June 28th, headed by Prime Minister bin Mubarak, to address the crisis caused by the Houthi's detention of three Yemenia Airlines planes. The committee's mandate includes restricting the use of the seized aircraft until further notice, including the release of a plane detained for two months, and lifting the freeze on the airline's assets, which exceed $100 million.

Yemenia Airlines issued an apology on June 26th to Hajj pilgrims for its inability to transport them to Sana'a due to the Houthi's seizure of four of their planes. The airline stated that the Houthi's actions pose a threat to aviation safety in Yemen and hinder flight operations within the country.

The Yemeni Ministry of Transport, recognized by the international community, has reported that over 1,300 Hajj pilgrims remain stranded at King Abdulaziz International Airport and in the holy lands. The ministry highlighted that the Houthi's ongoing violations against the national carrier, including the freezing of its assets in March 2023, exceeding $100 million, have exacerbated the situation.