Aden (South24)

---

The UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned on Thursday of the escalating conflict in Yemen amid rising hostile rhetoric and military movements, noting that the country faces the risk of sliding back into large-scale confrontations.

In his briefing to the Security Council, Grundberg expressed concern about the increasing hostile rhetoric, stating: "Words matter. Intent matters. Signals matter. Mixed messaging and escalatory discourse can have real consequences, deepening mistrust and fueling tensions." He stressed that any new escalation could undermine the de-escalation efforts that began with the UN-brokered ceasefire in April 2022.

Grundberg called on the Houthis to immediately and unconditionally release all detainees, including UN staff members. He said: "As Ramadan approaches, many families will spend this month burdened with grief due to the continued arbitrary detention of their loved ones."

He noted that while large-scale military operations have not resumed since the ceasefire, shelling, drone attacks, and mobilization campaigns continue, particularly in Marib, Al-Jawf, Shabwa, and Taiz.

On the economic front, Grundberg highlighted that the “grinding hardship” that Yemenis are suffering has deepened due to the unresolved conflict. He said that the war has led to a decrease in GDP per capita to less than half, while the Yemeni rial lost 50% of its value in government-controlled areas last year, resulting in rising prices of essential goods. He also noted that public sector employees in Houthi-controlled areas have not received their salaries regularly since 2018.

Grundberg also addressed the US decision to designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, stating that the full implications of this decision have not yet been fully understood. He emphasized the need to ensure the continuation of efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful settlement and not affecting the humanitarian work.

The UN envoy considered the Houthis' cessation of attacks in the Red Sea a positive development but warned of the fragility of the situation, calling for the strengthening of de-escalation efforts and support for peace efforts. He concluded by saying, "Yemen’s current trajectory is deeply concerning. We are at a point in time where the fear of a return to full conflict is palpable.” He assured that his office will continue working to end this conflict."

STC President Speaks with US Ambassador

In a related context, member of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) and President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), Aidrous Al-Zubaidi, held a video call with the US Ambassador to Yemen, Steven Fagin, to discuss the latest security and economic developments in the country.

According to a statement published by the STC, the meeting addressed the US’ decision to designate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Al-Zubaidi welcomed the decision, terming it as a step towards "deterring Houthi terrorism."

Al-Zubaidi emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation to enforce the decision on the ground, which would help undermine the Houthis' military capabilities and halt their threats to regional and international security.