President Joe Biden halted U.S. support for Saudi Arabia’s offensive actions in Yemen shortly after assuming office due to humanitarian concerns. However, the Biden administration has now lifted a ban on transferring some air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia, reversing a policy put in place at the beginning of his presidency.
The State Department spokesperson mentioned that they are lifting the suspension on certain transfers of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia and will assess new transfers on a case-by-case basis. The U.S. had previously provided offensive strike weapons to Saudi Arabia during the Obama and Trump administrations, aiding a Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen conflict against the Houthi group.
In February 2021, President Biden announced the suspension of all U.S. support for Saudi-led offensive operations in Yemen, including weapons transfers, in response to the humanitarian crisis in the region. By April 2022, a temporary ceasefire in Yemen had evolved into a more lasting peace agreement.
The decision to lift the arms ban against Saudi Arabia was based on Saudi adherence to the conditions of the April 2022 truce in Yemen and their improved civilian harm mitigation processes. The State Department spokesperson emphasized that arms transfers to Saudi Arabia will be closely monitored for compliance with international laws and guidelines.
While the ceasefire in Yemen has held, the Houthi group has shifted its focus towards conflicts in other regions, including launching attacks on Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea. The U.S. military has responded by deploying warships to intercept Houthi attacks and conducting strikes inside Yemen to degrade their capabilities.
The State Department spokesperson praised Saudi Arabia for their role in preventing further escalation in the Middle East conflicts and supporting the peace process in Yemen. In contrast, the spokesperson criticized the Houthi group for using terror tactics to advance their agenda, leading to continued U.S. pressure through targeted strikes and sanctions.
Overall, the U.S. government remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region while holding all parties accountable for their actions. Please rephrase
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