The Iran-backed Houthis have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015. (document)
USA:
The United Nations special envoy for Yemen called on Wednesday for immediate action to end a “dangerous cycle of escalation” in the war-torn country, especially in light of recent attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea.
The rebels claimed they were expressing solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza by attacking shipping, and their violent provocation prompted subsequent U.S. and British airstrikes.
“I am engaging with the Yemeni parties and relevant regional actors to support de-escalation in the Red Sea to protect the mediation space in Yemen,” Hans Grundberg told the Security Council.
“Three things need to happen in the short term to create an exit from this dangerous escalating cycle,” Grunberg said.
He called on the regional situation to de-escalate, for all parties to avoid “military opportunism” and to protect the progress made in reaching a mediation agreement.
The Iran-backed Houthis have been fighting a Saudi-led coalition since 2015, months after they seized Yemen’s capital Sanaa and most of its population centers, forcing the internationally recognized government south to Aden.
As recently as December, arduous negotiations were making progress, with the United Nations saying the warring parties had agreed to work to “restore an inclusive political process.”
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, coupled with Western retaliation, have left the peace process hanging in the balance.
However, “in my most recent exchanges, I have received assurances that all parties prefer to pursue a peaceful path,” Grundberg said.
Hundreds of thousands died in combat and from indirect causes such as disease and malnutrition. The United Nations humanitarian agency, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said more than 18 million Yemenis need “urgent support.”
Houthi attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour through southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a key shipping lane that typically carries about 12% of global seaborne trade.
“Yemen is not a footnote in the broader regional story,” Grundberg warned.
“Regional escalation does not eliminate Yemen’s urgent need for a nationwide ceasefire.”
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