UN envoy warns of fragile situation in Yemen

13/6/2025 6:35

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned Thursday that the situation in the war-torn country remains fragile despite the Red Sea ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the United States.

"I emphasize again, however, that time is not on our side. Conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably," he told the Security Council in a briefing.

The multiple front lines across Yemen remain fragile and risk descending into more active fighting. Marib, in particular, remains a cause for concern, with reports of troop movement and occasional flareups, in addition to sporadic activity on other front lines, he warned.

While the Red Sea remains calm following the cessation of hostilities agreement between the United States and the Houthis, there have been multiple attacks launched by the Houthis in the last month on targets in Israel, including on Ben Gurion Airport. In response, Israel has conducted strikes on Hodeidah and Saleef ports and Sanaa International Airport, destroying a civilian aircraft, he said.

Grundberg reiterated his call for all actors to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, noting that Yemenis living in Houthi-controlled areas are now unable to fly commercially from the Sanaa airport to seek medical treatment abroad, to travel by air for the Hajj or visit their families.

He said there is general consensus among the Yemeni government and the Houthis, as well as key regional actors, that only a negotiated settlement can resolve the conflict in Yemen and provide the guarantees that the region requires, including for the Red Sea.

Regional dynamics have long played a key part in Yemen's history, as well as in its current trajectory. The support of the region, as well as the wider international community, will be critical in reaching a sustainable solution for Yemen, he said.

"We need to build on the recent cessation of hostilities in the Red Sea and provide durable guarantees to the region and the wider international community and ensure the safety of all those using this critical waterway," said Grundberg.

He noted that this effort goes hand in hand with the world body's ongoing work toward a roadmap that will help Yemen overcome its current divisions and lead to a comprehensive ceasefire, critical economic measures and an inclusive political process.

"I will continue to work with the Yemeni parties, the region and the broader international community toward this goal, identifying pragmatic and achievable steps to move forward," he said. "The cost of inaction is high. Yemen cannot afford more years of division, economic collapse and human suffering."