UN envoy warns escalating Yemen conflict risks erupting into full-scale war

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg called Monday on the country’s warring parties to halt hostilities and exercise maximum restraint, warning that the latest escalation could spiral into a full-scale war.

In a statement published on the UN’s website, Grundberg said recent attacks by the Houthi group across several fronts had intensified fighting and raised the risk of the conflict expanding further.

He described the developments as “deeply troubling,” citing reports of civilians being killed and injured, families being displaced and civilian infrastructure being damaged.

Yemen has endured conflict for more than a decade, he said, warning that a return to sustained, large-scale fighting would have severe consequences for civilians and further complicate the already difficult path toward a political settlement.

Grundberg said the Yemeni people’s demands for security, functioning institutions and a future beyond conflict require “a credible political path capable of addressing the political, security and economic issues at the core of the conflict.”

He stressed the need to make full use of existing communication channels, including the UN-backed Military Coordination Committee, to prevent further escalation.

He also called on all parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Grundberg said he would continue engaging directly with the parties in an effort to contain the current tensions and preserve space for dialogue.

He also urged regional and international actors to use their influence to de-escalate tensions and facilitate a return to political negotiations.

Several fronts across Yemen have witnessed renewed fighting in recent days between government forces and the Houthis, particularly in the governorates of Taiz, Al-Jawf and Al-Bayda, alongside airstrikes on sites belonging to the group.

Since July this year, several fronts have seen a series of mutual attacks that ended the relative calm prevailing in Yemen since a UN-brokered truce took effect in April 2022.

The Houthis have controlled the capital Sanaa and several other cities since September 2014, while the internationally recognized government and allied forces control large parts of southern, eastern and western Yemen.