UN Warns of New Escalation in Yemen, Urges Release of Detained Staff
- ATN
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
By: ATN News Team
UNHQ, New York: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned Wednesday that Yemen risks sliding into a dangerous new phase of conflict, citing recent advances by southern forces and worsening conditions for humanitarian operations, as he urged all parties to de-escalate and return to UN-led negotiations.
Speaking to reporters after briefing the Security Council in a closed consultation, Guterres said tensions were rising across the country, with “dramatic new developments” in Yemen’s eastern governorates threatening to further fragment the war-torn nation.
Earlier this month, forces affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council advanced into Hadramawt and al-Mahra, moves the Secretary-General described as unilateral actions that undermine prospects for peace.
“Unilateral actions will not clear a path to peace,” Guterres said. “They deepen divisions, harden positions, and raise the risk of wider escalation and further fragmentation.”
He warned that a full resumption of hostilities could have serious regional consequences, including for the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the Horn of Africa — areas critical to global shipping and security.
Guterres called on all Yemeni parties, as well as regional stakeholders, to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue, stressing that Yemen’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be preserved.
“Yemen needs a sustainable, negotiated political settlement — one that embraces the aspirations of all Yemenis and brings this devastating conflict to an end,” he said.
The Secretary-General also sharply condemned the continued detention of United Nations staff and partner personnel in Houthi-controlled areas, describing the operating environment for humanitarian agencies as “untenable.”
At least 59 UN and partner staff remain arbitrarily detained, some for years, without due process, he said. In recent days, Houthi de facto authorities referred three UN colleagues to a special criminal court over actions taken in the course of their official duties.
“This referral must be rescinded. These charges must be dropped,” Guterres said, calling the detentions “a profound injustice” and a violation of international law.
“The United Nations and its partners must never be targeted, arrested, or detained in connection with their official duties,” he added.
Despite mounting challenges, Guterres said the UN remains committed to supporting Yemen’s civilian population. Nearly 4.8 million people have been displaced by the conflict, and about 19.5 million require humanitarian assistance.
This year alone, UN agencies reached more than 5.3 million people with food, nutrition, water, and health support, he said, while warning that aid operations depend on sufficient funding and unhindered access.
Guterres noted that Yemen’s warring parties came close to peace during a nationwide truce in 2022 and commitments reached in 2023, but said subsequent developments had complicated the situation.
“Even so, the path to peace is possible,” he said, urging all sides to work constructively with the UN special envoy and avoid actions that could inflame the fragile situation.
“The people of Yemen demand and deserve peace,” Guterres said.