UN concerned about escalating tensions in Yemen, calls on parties to end conflict

United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg called on all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen to prioritize resolving the crisis in the country.

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg speaks at a UN Security Council meeting on September 12. (Source: UN)

Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, Mr. Grundberg emphasized that the conflict in the Gaza Strip has caused instability throughout the region, including Yemen.

According to Mr. Grundberg, Houthi forces in Yemen have continuously attacked commercial ships in the Red Sea, threatening regional stability and international maritime security. In response, US and UK forces have also continuously attacked Houthi military targets inside Yemen.

The UN Special Envoy to Yemen expressed concern about the current escalation trajectory and called on all parties involved to prioritize resolving the conflict in the Middle Eastern country.

Houthi forces have attacked more than 80 commercial ships in the Red Sea with missiles and drones since the conflict in Gaza broke out in October 2023.

In addition, the force seized one ship and sank two vessels during its offensive operations, killing four sailors. Several Houthi missiles and drones were intercepted by the US-led coalition in the Red Sea and were unable to reach their targets.

Mr. Grundberg said that the Houthi attack on the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion on August 21 was a particularly worrying development that risks leading to an oil spill and environmental disaster on an unprecedented scale.

Fires raged for weeks on the ship, which was carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil, after the attack. Rescue efforts are continuing, but the problem is proving difficult to fix.

"If an oil spill of this scale were to occur, it would have dire consequences for Yemen and the surrounding region. I call on the Houthis to cease their targeting of civilian vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters," Grundberg said.

He also demanded the group release all Yemeni hostages held while engaging in activities related to humanitarian aid, development, human rights, peacebuilding and education.

“The continued detention of these individuals is a profound injustice to those who have dedicated their lives to the progress of Yemen and negatively impacts vital humanitarian efforts for the people,” the UN special envoy to Yemen said.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/lhq-quan-ngai-ve-cang-thang-leo-thang-o-yemen-keu-goi-cac-ben-cham-dut-xung-dot-286118.html