The United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy to Yemen, "Hans Grundberg," warned of the worsening situation in Yemen, which could lead to an escalation of threats to maritime trade routes, and called to avoid escalation in the Red Sea.

The UN envoy — according to the United Nations News Center — emphasized the need to protect Yemeni civilians, and the need to preserve the progress made regarding peace efforts since the 2022 truce, including the commitments recently undertaken by the parties and the ongoing discussions about the UN roadmap that would activate a nationwide ceasefire and resume an inclusive political process under UN auspices, addressing key priorities for the benefit of the Yemeni people.

"Grundberg" pointed with grave concern to the increasingly destabilizing regional situation and its negative impact on peace efforts in Yemen and on stability and security in the region. He also urged all concerned parties to exercise the utmost restraint and prioritize diplomatic channels over military options, calling for de-escalation.

The UN Secretary-General had stressed the need for full respect of Security Council Resolution 2722 regarding attacks on ships in the Red Sea, following airstrikes on several parts of Yemen by the United States and Britain, supported by other countries.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Affairs, "Khaled Khiari," said: We are witnessing a cycle of violence threatening serious political, security, economic, and humanitarian repercussions in Yemen and the region, during the Security Council meeting to discuss developments related to the Red Sea and Yemen.

"Khaled Khiari" affirmed that the recent humanitarian improvements in Yemen are fragile and can easily be reversed if further incidents occur, while progress towards reaching a political settlement to end the war in Yemen can also be undermined, leaving the Yemeni people facing the impact of ongoing conflict.

On the other hand, the Houthi group announced the closure of the main road linking Al Hudaydah and Sana'a governorates to truck traffic amid widespread dissatisfaction among transport drivers.

Local sources, in statements reported by the "Yemen" satellite channel today, Sunday, said that the Houthis prevented medium and light transport trucks from passing on the road linking Sana'a and Al Hudaydah and forced them to pass their trucks through other routes passing through Dhamar and Al Mahwit governorates, noting that the new roads through which truck passage was diverted are long and are not suitable for traffic due to the extensive damage they have suffered.

According to sources, the Houthis allowed truck drivers affiliated with their leadership in the economic institution to pass on the main road between Sana'a and Al Hudaydah while preventing other drivers in a scene that confirms the racism practiced by the group in its armed controlled areas.

The sources confirmed that the Houthi decisions led to an increase in the transportation cost of goods and food items, which will be reflected in the prices of goods and commercial materials in areas under Houthi control.

Since last October, the Houthis closed the same road to heavy transport trucks and forced them to use alternative routes, and the Houthi decisions caused daily accidents on these alternative routes where drivers were forced to pass, resulting in casualties and significant material losses almost daily.