Yemen UN envoy warns Security Council of regional escalation amid Iran-backed Houthi attacks

Yemen finds itself on the brink of yet another possible war, as fighting escalates between Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, and the Saudi-backed Yemeni army. In addition, attacks on Red Sea shipping pose the risk of further regional escalation, warned UN envoy Hans Grundberg to the Security Council. The Houthi assaults in Marib, Hadramaut, Mokha, and other regions have led to both military and civilian casualties.

Grundberg expressed concern that renewed Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden could push Yemen deeper into regional conflict. The envoy urged all parties to immediately deescalate and reach a lasting ceasefire, emphasizing that attacks and threats against shipping, as well as cross-border attacks, must cease.

Grundberg stated that a negotiated "off-ramp" to end the conflict remains possible and called for nations with influence to assist in returning the parties to talks. Simultaneously, Yemen grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis, with over half of its population facing acute food insecurity, according to UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher.

Approximately 6 million people are now classified as being in "Emergency" food deprivation, teetering on the edge of famine. Both Grundberg and Fletcher called for the release of 73 UN personnel held by the Houthi rebels, as well as workers from non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and diplomatic missions. Although progress has been made in freeing conflict-related detainees, preparations for releasing over 1,600 detainees under a May agreement have been slow and could be disrupted by the escalating situation.

Houthi rebels have also announced a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea on July 20, claiming it as a response to what they described as a Saudi siege on Yemen, a claim Riyadh has rejected. In retaliation, a Saudi-led coalition carried out airstrikes against Houthi military facilities in the port city of Hodeidah, alleging that the targeted sites were linked to threats against commercial shipping.