UN envoy warns Houthi threats to shipping impact global markets

The United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, warned on Thursday of the serious phase the country is experiencing, stressing that Houthi threats to international shipping are negatively affecting global markets as military operations intensify and clashes widen.

According to Al Arabiya, Grundberg said Yemen is at a critical juncture, emphasizing the need to respect UN resolutions on the country amid concerns that continued escalation could impact regional security and international trade.

Meanwhile, the UN Assistant Secretary-General called for the release of UN staff detained by the Houthis in Yemen, amid ongoing concerns for their safety.

The UN envoy's office announced that on Wednesday, October 7, Grundberg concluded a visit to Washington, D.C., where he held talks with senior officials from the US State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of Defense (Pentagon), as well as American and Yemeni experts.

Grundberg underscored the importance of continued regional and international commitment to the political process as the only path to a comprehensive resolution of the conflict and to achieving stability in Yemen and neighboring countries.