UN envoy: The risk of large-scale conflict in Yemen has risen to its highest level in more than four years.

On August 7, Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, stated that the risk of renewed large-scale conflict in Yemen has reached its highest level since the UN-brokered ceasefire in April 2022. Grundberg reported that recent attacks launched by the Houthi forces in Ma'rib and Al-Jawf provinces have resulted in significant casualties, including among civilians. Additionally, there have been renewed incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as well as assaults on civilian infrastructure such as airports, further escalating regional tensions. These developments could threaten the achievements made under the 2022 ceasefire, undermine the relative calm that Yemen has maintained in recent years, and draw Yemen deeper into broader regional confrontations, resulting in catastrophic consequences for the Yemeni people. Grundberg mentioned that in recent weeks, he has engaged in intensive discussions with various parties in Yemen, regional stakeholders, and international partners to explore concrete proposals for de-escalating the situation and reversing the current trajectory. He stated that a diplomatic solution remains feasible, but it requires the relevant parties to demonstrate political will, make difficult choices, and engage in sincere dialogue. Grundberg emphasized that resolving the issue through diplomatic means is the only realistic path to addressing the core concerns of all parties, while also bringing tangible benefits to the Yemeni people, including military de-escalation, improved economic conditions, the guarantee of free movement for people and goods, and the promotion of an inclusive political process to fundamentally end the conflict in Yemen. He called on all parties in Yemen to exercise maximum restraint, cease actions that could provoke military retaliation, and engage in negotiations with sincerity under the auspices of the UN. He expressed that with the support of relevant regional stakeholders and international partners, it is still possible to find a political solution for Yemen through diplomatic means. The UN will continue to support all parties in Yemen and stand with the Yemeni people to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.