United Nations: Houthi escalation pushes Yemen toward further tensions and suffering

UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg expressed deep concern on Thursday over the Houthi resumption of attacks on commercial ships and the resulting disruption of maritime navigation in the Red Sea.

In a statement, Grundberg clarified that he had held a series of intensive meetings and consultations over the past weeks with Yemeni parties and regional and international stakeholders, emphasizing that his priority is to preserve the gains of the 2022 truce, prevent a return to a broader conflict, and create conditions for resuming a comprehensive political process.

He warned that “escalatory actions signal a push toward further confrontation, deepen Yemen’s involvement in regional tensions, and increase the suffering of the Yemeni people.”

The UN envoy stressed that it is still possible to change course and return to negotiations that place Yemen’s interests and its people at the center, noting that reaching a negotiated political settlement would also contribute to enhancing stability in the region.

A senior source at the Saudi General Authority for Transport stated on Thursday that the ship ENCELIA, owned by a Saudi company, was targeted while sailing in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire at the bow. The crew members were unharmed, and relevant authorities took all necessary measures to secure the vessel and its crew and protect the marine environment. The Houthi militia subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack.