Alghadeer TV Alghadeer TV
Republican and Democratic senators in the US Congress are once again trying to pressure Saudi Arabia towards delivering its commitment to pay $750 million aid this year to help the people of Yemen, who are currently living in a humanitarian crisis caused by the kingdom’s war against the impoverished country.
In a letter sent to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman the lawmakers criticized the Riyadh regime for paying a small share of the amount, which is required for critical UN-led programs to provide vaccinations, food, fuel and medicine.
“If funding is not received by the end of October, 5 million people – in a country facing the largest cholera outbreak in modern history – will lose access to clean water,” the letter said.
The war, where the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates have been leading an aerial campaign a limited ground invasion against the Houthis, is described by the UN as one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.
UN officials have called out several countries for failing to pay up their commitments. They warned in late August that 22 “life-saving” aid programs in Yemen were going to be closed if the money did not come.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy and Republican Senator Todd Young led the letter, two of the most outspoken US lawmakers seeking to pass a strong response to Saudi Arabia over its human rights record.
Congress members, including some on Trump’s own team, have criticized him for maintaining close ties to Riyadh.
Over the past year, the Democrats have launched several efforts stop him from selling arms to the kingdom without congressional approval.
