Intense clashes between pro-government forces and Houthi fighters in Yemen’s southern province of Al-Dhalea resulted in 10 deaths and 15 injuries. The Houthis launched a large assault on the Bab Ghalaq fronts, sparking fierce fighting with soldiers. Appeal by the UN for restraint was disregarded.
The official confirmed that four soldiers and six Houthi fighters were killed, with 15 others injured. The recent escalation occurred despite appeals by the United Nations for restraint from both sides to protect tentative progress toward ending Yemen’s nine-year civil war.
During a UN Security Council session, UN special envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg urged the warring parties to reduce hostilities and “refrain from provocations” that could jeopardize nascent peace efforts. The conflict erupted in 2014 when the Houthis seized control of the capital Sanaa, leading to severe humanitarian crises.
In 2015, a Saudi-led military coalition intervened to restore the government. Despite diplomatic efforts, neither side has shown the will to revive negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. United Nations estimates claim it has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and pushed millions to the brink of famine.
