Amman (South24 Center)

The Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen (OSESGY) announced on August 11 the conclusion of a series of technical meetings held over the past week in Amman, Jordan. These sessions brought together representatives from the Yemeni government and the leadership of the Joint Forces under the framework of the UN-facilitated Military Coordination Committee (MCC).

According to the statement, the discussions centered on planning and coordinating a potential ceasefire, along with related security arrangements. Participants also explored solutions to Yemen’s ongoing security challenges. The meetings followed previous rounds held with the same delegations in December 2024 and January 2025.

Anthony Hayward, Principal Military Advisor to the UN Envoy, highlighted the MCC’s “critical role in building confidence and reducing tensions between parties,” emphasizing that its work remains essential to advancing de-escalation efforts and laying the groundwork for a lasting ceasefire.

The deliberations addressed key security priorities, including mechanisms for de-escalation and incident management, potential security guarantees, and options for implementing a comprehensive ceasefire across land, sea, and air within the framework of a broader political agreement. Discussions also touched on managing frontlines during any cessation of hostilities and securing strategic infrastructure, particularly energy facilities.

OSESGY reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the MCC as a platform for dialogue and coordination, supporting both de-escalation efforts and the broader pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.

These meetings took place amid ongoing military escalations on multiple fronts, including recent Houthi attacks targeting southern forces in Al-Dhalea governorate. The most prominent incident occurred on August 9, when Houthi fighters attempted an infiltration under heavy cover fire along the Bab Ghalq frontline north of Al-Dhalea. Separate attacks by Houthi forces on government troops in Saada earlier in the week resulted in the deaths of at least ten soldiers.