Hans Grundberg has expressed concern over recent attacks by the Houthi movement on al-Makha (Mocha) in Yemen, and called for a de-escalation of tensions to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, Al Jazeera reports.

In a written statement on X, the UN envoy for Yemen has said the recent attacks “come amid the most significant intensification of military activity since the 2022 UN-brokered truce, sharply increasing the risk of a return to full-scale conflict in Yemen”, adding that they have also put civilians “at grave risk”.

“This escalation must stop, and civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected,” he added, calling for “maximum restraint”.

Yemen’s army said the attack on al-Makha killed seven people – four soldiers and three civilians – and wounded at least 30 others.