UN Envoy Warns Yemen Has Returned to Full-Scale War, Urges Political Dialogue

UN Envoy Warns Yemen Has Returned to Full-Scale War, Urges Political Dialogue
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United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned that the country has returned to “full-scale war” as fighting between Houthi forces and the internationally recognised government intensifies. Addressing the UN Security Council on October 9, he said civilians, particularly women and children, were bearing the brunt of escalating violence.

According to the UN, at least 46 civilians have been killed and more than 130 injured since August. Grundberg urged Security Council members to support mediation, stressing that battlefield gains cannot replace negotiations needed to end the conflict.

Abdullah Ali Fadhel al-Saadi, the Yemeni government’s representative to the UN, called for practical measures to restrict the Houthis’ access to funding, weapons and technology. He also urged stronger international cooperation with the government.

Saudi Arabia’s UN ambassador, Abdulaziz al-Wasil, called on the Security Council to address what he described as a dangerous escalation, warning that Yemen must not become a base for threats against Saudi security or international shipping.

The meeting followed reported Houthi attacks on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, which Saudi authorities said killed three people. Grundberg cautioned that continued regional instability was worsening the conflict and called for renewed diplomatic efforts.