Brief

UN envoy says Yemen has slipped back into full‑scale war, calls for dialogue

Hans Grundberg told the UN Security Council that civilians are bearing the brunt of renewed fighting between the Houthis and Yemen's recognised government.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 11:58:22 GMT

United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg told the Security Council on Friday that the country has slid back into “full‑scale war” as clashes between Houthi rebels and forces of the internationally recognised government continue.

Grundberg said civilians, including women and children, are bearing the “brunt of escalating violence”. He warned that unless political strategies are pursued now, war could become Yemen’s permanent reality and urged Council members to support mediation efforts.

The UN reports at least 46 civilian deaths and more than 130 injuries since August, with children disproportionately affected. Abdullah Ali Fadhel al‑Saadi, the UN representative for Yemen’s recognised government, told the Council that the Houthi threat is no longer an “internal Yemeni affair” and called for “decisive, practical measures” to curb funding, weapons and technology to the Iranian‑backed group.

Al‑Saadi thanked Saudi Arabia for standing with the Yemeni people and supporting state institutions and the economy. The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority said Houthi attacks continued, citing an incident at King Khalid International Airport.

Key facts

UN envoy Hans Grundberg said Yemen has returned to full‑scale war (aljazeera.com)
At least 46 civilians have been killed and over 130 injured since August (aljazeera.com)
Abdullah Ali Fadhel al‑Saadi called the Houthi threat an external affair and urged decisive measures (aljazeera.com)