Ignoring Yemen’s Peace Process Could Be Catastrophic for the Region, UN Envoy Says

The UN special envoy for Yemen expressed concerns on Monday over escalating tensions on frontlines, warning that the political process is at risk of becoming “collateral damage” amid expanding regional conflict.

Hans Grundberg said in a briefing to the United Nations Security Council yesterday, “If we leave Yemen’s political process in the waiting room and continue down this path of escalation, the consequences could be catastrophic, not only for Yemen, but also for the wider region.”

He indicated that an escalation of hostilities has recently occurred on several frontlines, particularly in Al Dhale’ and Lahj. Troop movements, intermittent fighting, and exchanges of fire have also been reported in Al-Hudaydah, Marib, Sa’adah, Shabwah and Taiz governorates, he said.

In December, the parties to the conflict in Yemen expressed their willingness to operationalize a set of commitments through a United Nations roadmap. However, momentum towards an agreement was hindered by regional events, which have significantly complicated the mediation effort, the UN envoy said.

In the same vein, the UK expressed support for the ongoing efforts of the Special Envoy to progress a roadmap towards UN-led Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue. A statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council said, “As we’ve said before, an inclusive political settlement is the only way to bring sustainable peace and long-term stability to Yemen and address the worsening humanitarian crisis.”

The UK Ambassador at the UN Security Council said the Houthi “reckless actions continue to risk seriously undermining efforts to bring peace to the Yemeni people.”

The statement also condemned the Houthi announcement of a new coin in Yemen, describing it as “counterfeit” currency that threatens to destabilize the banking sector and deepens division in the country’s fragile economy.

The UK called on the Houthis to stop attacks and return to the peace talks. However, the Houthi group keeps preparing for more escalations, and it has adopted plans to gain ground in Marib and Shabwah.

Security sources told Sheba Intelligence yesterday that the Houthi group decided to launch an attack on Marib City through its western, northern and southern Marib fronts.

According to the sources, the group has finished preparing the plan to control southern Marib and oil areas in Marib and Shabwa. The plan obtained by the security authorities in Marib includes a multifaceted attack preceded by the mobilization of the Houthi forces around Marib, the installation of defensive systems on all fronts, and assigning cells to penetrate Marib and carry out multiple tasks, including assassinating leaders, placing bombs, and monitoring the command and control centers of the Yemeni army, security headquarters, and military installations.