The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned on Thursday that ongoing Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and on land in several Yemeni governorates are leading to a dangerous escalation. In a briefing to the UN Security Council, Grundberg said that Houthi attacks in Marib, Hadramaut, Mokha, and other areas have resulted in military and civilian casualties, according to a UN statement.
Grundberg's remarks come amid continued Houthi operations against vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab strait, which have disrupted international trade and drawn retaliatory strikes from the United States and the United Kingdom. The UN envoy urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to political negotiations, stressing that military options will not bring lasting peace.
The Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa and large parts of northern Yemen, have not commented on the envoy's latest warning. The internationally recognized government of Yemen, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, has repeatedly called for international action to stop the attacks.
The conflict in Yemen, now in its eleventh year, has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions facing food insecurity and displacement. The UN continues to push for a ceasefire and a comprehensive political settlement.
