Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The United Nations has reiterated its grave concern regarding the recent US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, over the course of April 17th and 18th in and around the port of Ras Issa. It renewed its call for maximum self-restraint.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that humanitarian workers reported five aid workers confirmed injured in those strikes on the port of Ras Issa. Initial reports also indicated over 230 casualties, including 80 deaths.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) mentioned that humanitarian assistance was immediately mobilized to support local health facilities, including health centers, trauma stabilization points, and emergency surgery units, as well as the provision of surgical supplies.
Dujarric referred to reports that the fire that broke out at the port had been extinguished this morning, but expressed deep concern over reports of a fuel leak into the Red Sea.
Dujarric also expressed deep concern regarding the continued missile and drone strikes by the Houthis against Israel and in the Red Sea, and called on the Houthis to cease these attacks immediately. He stressed the need for full respect for Security Council Resolution 2768 concerning Houthi attacks on shipping and commercial vessels.
Dujarric reiterated the call for maximum self-restraint and a cessation of all military activities in and around Yemen. He said that UN personnel on the ground continue to engage with relevant parties in this regard.
He reaffirmed that any further escalation could further destabilize Yemen and the region and poses serious risks to the already dire humanitarian situation.
UN Efforts to De-escalate the Situation
On a related note, the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) conducted a patrol to the port of Ras Issa and observed significant structural damage to the port and the destruction of its facilities. UNMHA plans to conduct another patrol tomorrow, Tuesday, to the port of Hodeidah to assess the situation there.
In accordance with its mandate, UNMHA is actively working with stakeholders to promote dialogue and explore solutions to de-escalate the situation in Hodeidah Governorate.
Dujarric emphasized the need to respect international law, including international humanitarian law, at all times, and called on all to respect and protect civilians as well as civilian infrastructure.
He also renewed the call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and other personnel arbitrarily detained by the Houthis.
Stéphane Dujarric said that the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, yesterday called for credible assurances to safeguard the Red Sea from becoming a protracted arena of conflict, considering these assurances essential – not only for global security, but to prevent Yemen from drifting further away from peace.
Growing Risk of Diseases
Humanitarian workers have warned that the recent violence threatens to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen, where more than 19 million people require vital assistance to meet widespread needs for food, disease, and protection.
OCHA clarified that children are particularly at risk. The measles outbreak in Marib Governorate has continued to rise, with over 240 confirmed cases and more than ten child deaths this year.
The UN office pointed out that sustained public health interventions are essential to manage and prevent such outbreaks, which in turn requires predictable funding and access for partners on the ground.
Despite the hostilities and other challenges, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners in Yemen are providing assistance wherever possible. So far this year, partners have mobilized food assistance for nearly 6 million people. They have provided support to more than 500 health facilities providing life-saving primary and secondary health services to approximately 225,000 men, women, and children.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations said in a statement yesterday, Sunday, that he remains deeply concerned about the increasing risks of escalation in the region and continued his call on all to exercise maximum restraint.
