The US Ambassador to Yemen, Stephen Fagin, met with the President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidarous al-Zubaidi, on Thursday, July 18, 2024, according to a statement released by the US Embassy.

The statement on "X" seen by "Barran Press" confirmed that Ambassador Fagin expressed the US’s support for the Yemeni government and its ongoing efforts to achieve peace for the Yemeni people.

The meeting, conducted via video call, discussed the latest economic and humanitarian developments in Yemen, as well as the economic and administrative reforms being implemented by the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to revitalize state institutions.

The meeting also addressed recent decisions taken by the Presidential Leadership Council, including measures implemented by the Central Bank and several service ministries. These measures, according to the STC website, aimed to counter the Houthis’ interference in the banking sector and the assets of government service institutions, particularly Yemenia Airways.

During the meeting, al-Zubaidi emphasized that defeating the Houthi threat in Yemen requires a comprehensive deterrent strategy at the local, regional, and international levels.

He expressed the Presidential Leadership Council’s readiness to engage in any regional or international efforts aimed at ending Houthi terrorism, which is internationally recognized as a terrorist group, both through peaceful means and military action.

According to the STC website, Ambassador Fagin reiterated the US’s support for all measures taken by the Presidential Leadership Council to strengthen the authority of the state. He also expressed appreciation for the Council’s positive engagement with the international community and regional countries to end the war and establish peace.

Ambassador Fagin highlighted the US’s deep concern over the escalating Houthi attacks against international shipping lanes in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. He emphasized the US’s commitment to working alongside local, regional, and international partners to address these threats.