UN Warns of Potential Return to Full-Scale Conflict in Yemen

The United Nations (UN) human rights chief has expressed concern over the rising civilian casualties due to escalating hostilities in Yemen, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions and avoid plunging the country back into full-scale war. The latest violence, which began when the Iran-backed Houthi group breached a 2022 truce with the Saudi-backed government, has increased the risk of renewed conflict in Yemen, already embroiled in over a decade of civil strife.

The Houthis have intensified attacks on areas they control, resulting in the death of 58 government troops and two civilians in Marib province earlier this month. The UN rights office reported seven civilian deaths and ten injuries in Houthi attacks since August 6, and three port workers killed in an attack on Mokha's port on August 9.

Volker Türk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, stated that attacks on civilian infrastructure could exacerbate the suffering of the 18 million Yemenis already facing food insecurity. He called on all parties to halt actions that risk returning Yemen to full-scale conflict and spare the Yemeni people from further misery.