UN envoy warns of Houthi escalation in Mokha

UN envoy Hans Grundberg has warned of a potential escalation in Houthi attacks on the Yemeni city of Mokha. The United Nations Special Envoy expressed significant concern over the recent confrontations involving Houthi militias, which have resulted in casualties among both civilians and military personnel, as well as damage to critical infrastructure such as the port.

Grundberg emphasized that these attacks represent an alarming deviation from the previous norms of military operations, now occurring since the UN-mediated cease-fire in 2022. He cautioned that such escalation markedly heightens the risk of a relapse into a full-scale conflict within Yemen. The envoy highlighted the severe threat posed to civilians in Mokha, Marib, and other regions, advocating for an immediate halt to the conflict and the protection of civilian life and infrastructure.

Grundberg reiterated his stance that all involved parties must demonstrate utmost restraint and work towards de-escalation. He stressed the critical importance of resolving the crisis through a comprehensive political solution, rather than through further military confrontations.