Yemeni Foreign Minister Discusses in Phone Call with UN Envoy the Implications of Houthi Escalation
Aden, August 7 (KUNA) -- Yemeni Foreign Minister Afrah al-Zoubi discussed with UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg the repercussions of the recent escalation by the (Houthi) militia, which has resulted in civilian and military casualties and poses a threat to the security of neighboring countries and international navigation.
The state-owned Yemeni News Agency (Saba) reported that Minister al-Zoubi briefed Grundberg during a telephone call on the details of the attacks carried out by the militia using ballistic missiles and suicide drones, which targeted several camps and units of the Yemeni Armed Forces in the provinces of Marib and Hadhramaut. The attacks resulted in the death of 17 soldiers and officers, with others injured, as well as the shelling of residential neighborhoods and displacement camps in Marib city, leading, according to initial figures, to the death of two civilians and injuries to 14 others.
She emphasized that these attacks represent a unilateral Houthi escalation and were not in response to any military action by the government or its armed forces. She pointed out that the militia is targeting the armed forces, civilians, and displaced persons, undermining de-escalation efforts in an attempt to drag Yemen and Yemenis into regional conflicts and wars that do not serve their interests.
She further explained that the extension of attacks to civilian targets in the Najran region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which injured 11 civilians, coupled with the continued Houthi threats to commercial ships and international shipping routes in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab strait, and the Gulf of Aden, reveals the militia’s efforts to turn Yemen’s land and waters into a platform for targeting neighboring countries and international sea lanes.
She stressed the importance of the United Nations and the international community fulfilling their responsibilities regarding this escalation, taking a clear stance holding the militia accountable for its attacks, and preventing the undermining of de-escalation efforts and the dragging of Yemen into further conflicts.
For his part, Grundberg affirmed his commitment to de-escalation, preventing Yemen from sliding into further confrontations, and making every effort to resume the political process and advance the peace track. (End) S.N.S. / M.A.H.A.
