Moftah, British Delegation Discuss Humanitarian, Political and Security situations and Peacemaking Efforts

Dr. Abd Rabbuh Moftah, Undersecretary of Marib Governorate, met on Wednesday with a delegation from the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) led by Senior Security Advisor Max Gandell. The meeting focused on the humanitarian, political, and security situation in the governorate, as well as efforts to foster peace.

During the meeting, Moftah welcomed the visit of the British delegation, which included the defense attaché at the embassy, Peter le Gassick, the humanitarian advisor, Samantha Crago, and the first secretary of the embassy, Peter Dalby. This was the first visit by a high-ranking British team to the governorate since the embassy in Sana'a closed following the coup by the Houthi militia. Moftah expressed appreciation for the British humanitarian and political support to the legitimate government and its institutions.

Dr. Moftah stated that Marib Governorate has been calling for peace since the first day of the coup. However, he said that the Iran-backed Houthi militia has waged war against the governorate just as they have waged war against the entire Yemeni people. He called for a strong and unwavering British and international role in addressing the crimes and violations committed by the Houthi militia, urging the international community to exert pressure on the group, including reclassifying it as a terrorist organization.

For his part, Max Gandell said that their visit aimed to closely assess the overall situation in Marib Governorate and strengthen relations with the local authority. He referred to the British government's efforts in curbing arms smuggling from Iran to the Houthi militia by sea. Gandell expressed amazement at the evident urban development and improvement in services in Marib Governorate.

The British Foreign Ministry team also visited al-Jufaina, the largest IDPs camp in Yemen. The team was briefed on the humanitarian conditions, needs, and efforts of the local authority to provide services as well as the contributions made by humanitarian partners.