UN envoy calls for restraint amid rising tensions in Yemen

ADEN -- United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg issued an urgent appeal on Saturday, calling on all conflicting parties to exercise maximum restraint amid a dangerous escalation in regional tensions.

In a brief press statement released by his office, Grundberg reiterated calls made by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for all parties involved to avoid actions that would worsen the situation in Yemen, escalate the threat to maritime trade routes in the Red Sea, or further fuel regional tensions at this critical time.

"The special envoy stresses the critical need at this time to protect Yemeni civilians and to maintain the momentum of the peace process that has been slowly progressing over the past year," the statement read.

Grundberg's comments came amid rising regional tensions following recent attacks carried out by the Houthi group on commercial vessels off the coast of Yemen, which have threatened to disrupt vital maritime trade routes.

The special envoy noted the increasingly precarious regional context and its potential to derail ongoing efforts towards a diplomatic solution to the years-long conflict that has ravaged Yemen.

Grundberg urged all involved to exercise maximum restraint and to prioritize diplomatic channels over military options, according to the statement.

Since taking up the post in 2021, Grundberg has been working to build on the nationwide ceasefire between the internationally recognized government and the Houthi group. Last month, the parties made renewed commitments to upholding the truce and working towards a peaceful political settlement.

However, the recent uptick in violence has underscored the fragility of the situation and threatened to reverse any progress made so far. Grundberg stressed the need for continued dialogue and compromise to reach a negotiated end to the fighting.

Mentioning that the country is still facing a dire humanitarian crisis, the statement called for immediate de-escalation by all sides, saying it was vital to ease the suffering of millions of Yemenis who continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.

On Friday, the United States and Britain launched a series of strikes on Houthi targets in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and other provinces under the group's control.

The strikes came in response to the Houthis' recent attacks in the Red Sea on what they called "Israeli-linked ships" in a bid to pressure Israel to end its ongoing assaults in the Gaza Strip.