UN envoy warns Houthi threats to shipping impact global markets

United Nations envoy Hans Grundberg has expressed concern over Houthi threats targeting international shipping, which he claims are causing damage to global markets in the midst of the ongoing conflict in Yemen. Speaking on Thursday, Grundberg highlighted the dire situation in the country, stressing that Houthi threats to maritime traffic are adversely impacting markets worldwide as military operations escalate and clashes expand.

Al Arabiya reported that Grundberg described Yemen as being at a critical point, stressing the necessity to adhere to UN resolutions concerning the nation while warning that an ongoing escalation could jeopardize regional stability and international commerce.

Moreover, the UN Assistant Secretary-General urged for the release of UN personnel held by the Houthis in Yemen, as they remain at risk due to the ongoing situation. On October 7, Grundberg concluded a visit to Washington D.C., where he engaged in discussions with top officials from the US State Department, the National Security Council, the Department of Defense (Pentagon), as well as American and Yemeni experts.

Grundberg stressed the importance of ongoing regional and international backing for the political process as the sole means to a comprehensive resolution of the conflict and to ensuring stability in Yemen and surrounding nations.