UN Secretary-General Warns of Civilian Toll from Houthi Attacks and Yemen Fighting
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm over continued Houthi attacks on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia and intensified fighting around Taiz in Yemen. He called for an end to strikes on homes, hospitals, schools, airports and energy facilities and urged renewed efforts toward a political settlement in Yemen. The report also noted international condemnation of an attack on Dammam airport and coalition intercepts of missiles and drones.
Guterres, addressing reporters in New York on Thursday, urged an end to strikes on civilian sites, including residences, medical and educational buildings, airports and energy infrastructure. He said worsening conflicts deepen humanitarian hardship and can disrupt energy markets, supply chains and financial systems, adding to living costs worldwide.
After the Dammam airport attack killed two and injured eight, Arab and international voices condemned targeting of civilian and vital infrastructure. Yemen’s coalition said it intercepted a missile aimed at Najran and nine drones bound for the Eastern Province, Riyadh and Madinah; spokesman Turki al-Malki described four drones toward the Eastern Province and five toward Riyadh and Madinah.
The civilian toll and infrastructure strikes could heighten anxiety among residents in affected Saudi and Yemeni areas, while disruptions to airports and energy sites may affect travelers, aid flows and market confidence. Renewed fighting around Taiz may further strain hospitals, schools and local services, and rising costs linked to supply-chain worries could be felt by households beyond the region. Diplomatic appeals may shape expectations for de-escalation, but their practical effect remains uncertain.