UN envoy 'gravely concerned' over US airstrikes in, around Yemen's fuel port

IANS April 21, 2025 185 views

The UN Special Envoy to Yemen has expressed deep concern over recent US airstrikes targeting the Ras Isa fuel port. Hans Grundberg highlighted the potential for these attacks to further destabilize the already fragile regional conflict. The strikes resulted in significant civilian casualties, with at least 80 people killed and 150 wounded, including port workers and paramedics. The escalating tensions between the US and Houthi rebels threaten to derail peace efforts and potentially expand the conflict.

"I am gravely concerned about the impact of the US airstrikes" - Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy
Aden, April 21: UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg voiced his grave concern over recent US airstrikes in and around the Ras Isa fuel port northwest of Yemen's Red Sea city of Hodeidah.

Key Points

1

UN warns US strikes risk escalating regional conflict

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Houthi-controlled port attacked with high civilian casualties

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Grundberg calls for immediate de-escalation and protection of civilians

"Echoing the (UN) Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres), I am gravely concerned about the impact of the US airstrikes in and around Ras Isa port on civilians, particularly truck drivers and port workers, as well as on civilian infrastructure," Grundberg wrote on social media platform X.

The cycle of attacks on the Red Sea by Houthis and the United States "jeopardizes peace efforts and risks drawing Yemen further into the regional conflict," he wrote, urging restraint, de-escalation, and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure by all sides in accordance with international law, Xinhua news agency reported.

Attacks on the Red Sea must stop with "credible guarantees" that protect it from "becoming a prolonged arena of conflict," which are "essential" for keeping Yemen "from sliding further away from peace" and for global security, he wrote.

In the deadliest raid since the renewed US airstrikes in mid-March, the US army launched a series of attacks on Thursday night targeting and destroying the Houthi-controlled Ras Isa fuel port and concrete tanks storing imported fuel. According to an update from Houthi-run health authorities early Saturday, at least 80 people were killed and 150 others wounded.

Among the casualties were port workers and five paramedics, who were reportedly killed in a second wave of airstrikes while arriving on ambulances to assist the wounded.

Early Saturday, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, head of the Houthi Revolutionary Committee, vowed to retaliate against the renewed US airstrikes. The group said later in the day that it shot down two US-made MQ-9 drones in 24 hours.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
This is heartbreaking 💔 The loss of civilian lives and paramedics is unacceptable. When will world leaders learn that violence only breeds more violence? The UN envoy is right to call for restraint.
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Michael T.
While I understand the US position against Houthi attacks, the collateral damage here seems excessive. Targeting fuel infrastructure affects civilians most - where's the strategic thinking?
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Aisha R.
The cycle of retaliation needs to stop. 80 lives lost... and for what? My prayers go out to the families affected. The international community needs to step up diplomatic solutions ASAP.
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James L.
Respectfully disagree with the UN envoy's framing. The Houthis started this by attacking shipping lanes. The US has a right to defend international waters, though civilian casualties are tragic.
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Layla H.
Killing paramedics arriving in ambulances? That's a war crime by any definition. The world can't keep turning a blind eye to these actions. #AccountabilityNow
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Thomas W.
The article mentions 2 US drones were shot down after the airstrikes. This conflict is escalating dangerously fast. We need cooler heads to prevail before this becomes another endless war.

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Tags:
Yemen Conflict UN Mediation Hans Grundberg US Airstrikes Red Sea Tensions Houthi Rebels
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