Yemen’s current trajectory is 'deeply concerning': UN

WASHINGTON

UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg on Thursday voiced concern over the situation in Yemen.

"Let me be very clear, Yemen’s current trajectory is deeply concerning," Grundberg told the Security Council about the humanitarian situation.

"We are at a point in time where the fear of a return to full conflict is palpable," he said, adding his office is ready to convene the parties to bring an end to the decade-long conflict.

"In the now over 10 years of this unresolved conflict, the grinding hardship that Yemenis are suffering only deepens," Grundberg said.

Recently, he said there has been a "rise in rhetoric" from parties to the conflict, pre-positioning themselves publicly for military confrontation. "We must not allow this to happen."

He expressed concern over recent reports of shelling, drone attacks, infiltration attempts and mobilization campaigns.

"I therefore also reiterate my call on the parties to refrain from military posturing and retaliatory measures that could risk plunging Yemen back into widespread conflict where civilians will again pay the price," he said.

Yemen remains mired in one of the world’s worst humanitarian and economic crises, fueled by nearly a decade of war between government forces and the Houthis.

The war has claimed over 150,000 lives and has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises globally, resulting in tens of thousands of additional deaths.