UN Envoy Warns Yemen on Verge of Wider Conflict

Yemen is at a heightened risk of renewed large-scale conflict, warned United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg on Friday. He stated the country is in a more precarious position than at any point since the UN-brokered truce in April 2022.

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the country was at “greater risk of renewed large-scale conflict than at any point since the UN-brokered truce of April 2022.”

Grundberg cited recent attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi group in Marib and Hadramawt, which reportedly caused significant casualties, including civilians. These incidents, coupled with renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and strikes on civilian infrastructure like airports, are increasing regional tensions.

"Taken together, these developments risk jeopardizing the gains of the 2022 truce, reflected in the relative calm that has held inside Yemen in recent years, while also drawing the country into a broader regional confrontation, with devastating consequences for its people," Grundberg said.

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Taken together, these developments risk jeopardizing the gains of the 2022 truce, reflected in the relative calm that has held inside Yemen in recent years, while also drawing the country into a broader regional confrontation, with devastating consequences for its people.

He reported intensive engagement with Yemeni parties, regional actors, and international partners over the past week to find de-escalation options. "I remain convinced that a diplomatic path remains available," he declared, emphasizing the need for political will, difficult choices, and genuine engagement. He believes this approach offers the only realistic path to address core concerns, leading to military de-escalation, improved economic stability, and steps toward an inclusive political process.

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I remain convinced that a diplomatic path remains available. It will require political will, difficult choices and genuine engagement from the parties.

The envoy urged parties to exercise maximum restraint, cease actions that encourage military retaliation, and engage in good-faith negotiations under UN auspices. With support from regional and international partners, he stated, a negotiated way out is still possible, and the UN will continue to support the parties and the Yemeni people in pursuing peace.

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I call on the parties to exercise maximum restraint, stop actions that encourage military retaliation, and engage in good-faith negotiations under UN auspices.