The United Nations envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned on Thursday that renewed Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping risk dragging the country back into full-scale war. He called for negotiations to resolve the political crisis, stating that escalation could deepen the suffering of Yemenis and destabilize the region further.
The Houthis struck two Saudi oil tankers on Wednesday, their first attack since announcing a blockade of Saudi-linked shipping on July 20. The maritime campaign has disrupted trade through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel. The UN estimates 22 million Yemenis need aid, with 18.3 million facing acute food insecurity.