UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in Yemen. According to his spokesperson, Guterres is troubled by the recent surge in fighting, which has intensified significantly over the past few days. The Secretary-General condemns the continued cross-border attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia. Guterres' spokesperson emphasized the need for parties to work towards de-escalation.
The conflict in Yemen has seen a significant escalation in recent days. The Yemeni government announced on Monday that it had launched a wide-scale attack, aiming to reclaim territory from Houthi forces. Government forces have reportedly recaptured the strategic coastal city of Al-Mukha, secured the Al-Dhubab district, and taken control of key positions near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. This development comes as the Saudi-led coalition continues to provide air support to Yemeni government forces.
The Saudi-led coalition has been actively involved in the conflict, with coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Malki stating that 100 fighter jets are providing support to Yemeni forces. According to Al-Malki, the coalition has destroyed hundreds of Houthi targets. The military efforts are part of a broader strategy to help the Yemeni government regain control over areas lost to Houthi forces.
The conflict has also seen increased airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition. Houthi forces reported that Saudi Arabia conducted 106 airstrikes and missile strikes within 24 hours, targeting Sana'a and other areas. In response, Houthi forces claimed to have struck vital Saudi energy installations. The ongoing exchange of attacks has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the wider region.
Guterres' concerns over the escalating conflict were echoed by his deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq. Haq stated that the Secretary-General does not believe that further militarization of the conflict, including intervention by external powers, would help to calm tensions. Instead, Guterres hopes that parties will work towards de-escalation and finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The renewed push by the Yemeni government to reclaim territory from Houthi forces comes after the formation of a new presidential leadership council. The council's chairman, Rashad Al-Alimi, announced the start of a major operation to retake all areas lost to Houthi forces. The developments on the ground have been met with international attention, with the UN calling for restraint and a return to peace talks.
The situation in Yemen remains volatile, with concerns about the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict. The UN has been actively engaged in efforts to broker a peace agreement, but the recent escalation has raised questions about the prospects for a negotiated settlement. The international community continues to watch the situation closely, with many urging restraint and a return to peace talks.
Key points
- The UN Secretary-General has expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in Yemen and condemned Houthi cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia.
- The Yemeni government has launched a wide-scale attack to reclaim territory from Houthi forces, with the support of the Saudi-led coalition.
- The conflict has seen increased airstrikes and missile strikes, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation in Yemen and the wider region.
