UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned of rising tensions in Yemen, highlighting “dramatic new developments” in the country’s eastern governorates that are exacerbating the conflict. Since 2014, Yemeni government forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, have been fighting Houthi rebels backed by Iran, who currently control the capital, Sana’a. This month, forces aligned with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) advanced into the resource-rich governorates of Hadramawt and al-Mahra, raising concerns of a wider escalation.
Guterres cautioned that unilateral military actions deepen divisions, harden positions, and threaten regional security. He urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate tensions, and resolve disputes through dialogue. Regional stakeholders were called upon to engage constructively in support of UN mediation efforts to safeguard collective security interests.
Emphasizing the need for a political solution, Guterres stressed that Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved. He called for a sustainable, negotiated settlement that reflects the aspirations of all Yemenis and ends the protracted conflict. The ongoing fighting has killed thousands and triggered one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with nearly 19.5 million people requiring aid and almost five million internally displaced.
The Secretary-General condemned the arbitrary detention of 59 UN and partner personnel, including staff from NGOs, civil society organizations, and diplomatic missions. He demanded their immediate and unconditional release, noting that three UN staff recently referred to a special criminal court by Houthi authorities must have all charges dropped. Guterres emphasized that UN staff must be allowed to operate without interference.
Despite these challenges, Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to provide life-saving assistance across Yemen. Since January, more than 5.3 million people have received food, nutrition, water, and health support. He noted that prior peace efforts, including the 2022 truce and 2023 commitments, demonstrated the possibility of a negotiated solution. He urged all parties to prioritize dialogue over violence, avoid unilateral actions, and engage constructively with the UN Special Envoy to ensure peace for the people of Yemen.
