UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Hans Grundberg, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in Yemen.

June 14, 2022   Peace and Security

The “unprecedented” truce in Yemen has so far led to a reduction in fighting and other positive developments, but action is needed on its full implementation and to address rising humanitarian needs and insecurity, the UN Security Council heard on Tuesday. 

Ambassadors were briefed by two top UN officials who provided an update on the impact of the agreement between the Government and Houthi rebels, which was recently renewed for an additional two months, while also outlining the challenges that remain. 

“The truce has now been holding in Yemen for two-and-a-half months, something unprecedented during this war, and something that seemed unimaginable at the beginning of this year,” said Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for the country, commending the sides. 

Reduction in fighting 

There have been no confirmed airstrikes in Yemen, or cross-border attacks emanating from the country, since the truce was first announced in April.  Civilian casualties have also seen a “significant reduction”, he reported.   

However, casualties from landmines and unexploded ordnance are increasing as people venture into contaminated frontline areas that were previously inaccessible. 

Despite the overall reduction in fighting, the UN also continues to receive reports of alleged violations from both parties including shelling, drone attacks, reconnaissance overflights, and the redeployment of forces. 

Some armed clashes have also been reported, mainly in Ma’rib, Taiz, and Hodeidah governorates.  

A military coordination committee comprising representatives from the two sides, and coalition forces backing the government, will meet monthly to address issues in a timely manner. 

Flights and fuel 

After six years of closure, commercial flights have been taking off from the airport in the capital, Sana’a, to Amman, Jordan, and Cairo, Egypt.  Fuel also has continued to flow steadily through the crucial port in Hodeidah. 

More than 480,000 metric tonnes of fuel cleared the port during April and May – greater than the amount which entered during the whole of 2021. 

“The steady delivery of fuel has taken the pressure off vital services, significantly decreased queues at petrol stations that dominated Sana’a’s streets, and has allowed Yemenis to travel more easily throughout the country,” said Mr. Grundberg. 

One critical outstanding issue is the opening of roads to Taiz, and other governorates.  Roads currently open are “long and arduous”, he said, recalling a six-hour journey from Aden to Taiz city which would have taken half the time prior to the seven-year conflict between Houthi rebel forces and the internationally-recognized Government.