UN Warns Yemen Risks Return to Large-Scale War

UN Envoy Hans Grundberg warned on Thursday that Yemen faces its most serious threat of a return to large-scale war since a UN-brokered truce in 2022, following an escalation in hostilities between the Iran-aligned Houthi group and the internationally recognized, Saudi-backed government.

The Houthis have intensified attacks along the front lines, declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and resumed attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. A Saudi-led coalition has responded with airstrikes on what it said were Houthi military facilities in the port city of Hodeidah linked to threats against commercial shipping.

Regional tensions in connection with the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz have further complicated the situation. Grundberg called on the parties to immediately de-escalate, halt attacks and return to negotiations.

The deteriorating security situation has coincided with a worsening humanitarian crisis. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said more than half of Yemen’s population faces acute food insecurity, while six million people face emergency levels of food deprivation bordering on famine.

The UN also called for the release of 73 personnel detained by the Houthis, along with workers from non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions.

(Reuters, Max)