Grundberg urges negotiations as Yemen returns to full-scale war
UN envoy Hans Grundberg told the Security Council that Yemen had returned to full-scale war, with fighting spreading across multiple fronts. He called for a negotiated political solution and collective support for mediation. UN civilian casualty figures since August accompany his warning, while Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Saudi Arabia called for action against the Houthis.
Geopolitics··Morning
Grundberg warns of fighting on multiple fronts
Hans Grundberg, the United Nations special envoy responsible for mediation in Yemen, told the Security Council on October 9 that the country had returned to full-scale war. He described hostilities spreading across multiple fronts and the burden on civilians.[1], [2]
His appeal urged the parties to seek a negotiated political settlement. Grundberg warned against allowing permanent warfare to become Yemen’s reality and called on Council members to support mediation collectively.[1]
UN civilian figures accompany the warning
The UN reported at least 46 civilians killed and more than 130 injured since August. The figures cover reported civilian casualties, rather than all military and civilian losses. Grundberg placed Yemen’s people and their protection within his appeal for a political response to the renewed fighting.[1]
Shipping threats enter the Council debate
Grundberg described international trade and freedom of navigation as legitimate security concerns. He warned that threats to maritime shipping affected regional security and international trade routes, alongside the fighting inside Yemen.[1]
Yemen’s internationally recognised government representative Abdullah Ali Fadhel al-Saadi called for financing and arms supplies to the Houthis to be cut. The Houthis are the armed movement fighting that government. Saudi representative Abdulaziz al-Wasil also criticised their activity; these were the governments’ stated positions.[1]
