Washington, DC - Today, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) made the following statement about the situation in Yemen:

“I am very concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen. Reports of mass civilian casualties and widespread human deprivation are distressing—especially those that suggest some of these calamitous conditions may be caused, or exacerbated, by the military intervention led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“We need to work with Saudi Arabia to ensure that Yemen does not become an established haven for Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, the Islamic State, or any other terrorist organization; nor become a proxy for malign Iranian activities. We must also keep in mind that while Iran is providing support to the Houthis in Yemen, they are not simply extensions of Iranian foreign policy. Ultimately, this situation will be resolved through political reconciliation, and we must work to support a diplomatic resolution of this crisis.

“The use of military force by Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners must strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of Yemeni civilians. As we consider U.S. military assistance to Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners, particularly the sale or provision of weapons that may be used in Yemen, there should be demonstrable evidence that Saudi Arabia is confronting this critical issue and revising its approach to restoring peace and stability in the country.”

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