Ambassador Stephen Fagin, America's ambassador to Yemen, denounced the unjust and illegal detention of innocent people by the Iran-backed Houthi militia for three years.

He said in a statement today, Saturday, that "these men did not commit any crimes; they are being held hostage simply because they work for the American embassy in Sanaa, to build understanding and strong relationships, and provide for the needs of their families."

He added, "More than four months have passed since the terrorist Houthis brutally took others hostage, which once again led to the removal of citizens dedicated to serving their country away from their families simply to perform their regular work for the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and diplomatic missions."

He explained, "The Iran-backed Houthi militia joins a long and shameful list of brutal terrorist groups that unjustly harm innocent men and women, based solely on baseless accusations, fabricated evidence, and coerced confessions."

He expressed his country's deep concern over reports indicating that the criminal militia had referred many of these innocent detainees to trial on baseless charges.

He expressed his solidarity with these innocent people and their families who endured the painful ordeal, which blatantly violates the human rights of these detainees.