United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg has warned that the country has slid back into a state of full-scale war as fighting between the Houthis and internationally recognized government forces continues to intensify. Addressing a meeting of the UN Security Council, Grundberg stated that civilians, including women and children, are bearing the brunt of the escalating violence.
Grundberg noted that ongoing instability across the Middle East continues to shape dynamics within Yemen, while domestic developments in turn reverberate throughout the region. He emphasized that regional security, freedom of navigation, and the protection of international trade are legitimate concerns that demand attention, but added that international engagement must remain grounded in the realities and aspirations of the Yemeni people.
Stressing that war must not become a permanent reality for the nation, Grundberg urged leaders to pursue political strategies immediately. He told the council that military gains on the battlefield cannot replace the negotiations necessary to permanently settle the conflict, calling on member states to collectively support ongoing mediation efforts.
According to UN figures, at least 46 civilians have lost their lives and more than 130 others have sustained injuries since August, with children disproportionately affected by the continuous clashes. Representatives for Yemen's internationally recognized government echoed these concerns, telling the council that the threat posed by the Houthis has expanded beyond a purely internal domestic affair.
Abdullah Ali Fadhel al-Saadi, Yemen's UN representative, urged the Security Council to implement decisive and practical measures to curb the flow of funding, weapons, and technology to the Iranian-backed group, while also strengthening cooperation with the national government. He expressed gratitude to Riyadh for its continued backing of the Yemeni people, state institutions, and the economy.
The discussions unfolded against a backdrop of continuing Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority reported that King Khalid International Airport, located north of Riyadh, faced recent assaults resulting in multiple civilian casualties. The incidents drew swift condemnations from Gulf states and European nations, with Swiss officials labeling the attacks unacceptable.
During the council session, Saudi Arabia's UN representative, Abdulaziz al-Wasil, called on the international body to confront the dangerous escalation head-on. Al-Wasil asserted that Riyadh will not permit Yemen to be utilized as a launching pad for threats targeting regional security or international shipping lanes.