Kathmandu— Fighting has intensified in Yemen, with government forces carrying out 81 attacks on Houthi positions within the last 24 hours and the Houthis claiming drone strikes targeting Saudi Arabia’s Najran province, signaling a potential collapse of the UN-brokered truce that had largely halted conflict since 2022. The escalation comes amid mutual accusations of blockades and threats to vital infrastructure, raising concerns about humanitarian consequences for a country already facing widespread food insecurity. These recent hostilities suggest Yemen is sliding back towards full-scale war despite international calls for de-escalation.

Escalating Military Operations

Government forces have reported conducting numerous operations against Houthi positions, claiming to have “neutralised” a number of fighters and field commanders. Spokesperson Majed Abdullah al-Nuzaili stated that 81 attacks were carried out in the past day. Simultaneously, the Houthis announced successful drone strikes on targets within Saudi Arabia’s Najran province, specifically targeting Najran airport and an Aramco facility. While Saudi authorities have yet to confirm these attacks, the Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree affirmed their success.

Regional Tensions Rise

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a key supporter of the Houthis, issued a warning on Thursday asserting that Saudi Arabia would be “unable to contain” the rebel group as they increase attacks. This statement follows the Houthis' declaration in July of a naval blockade targeting Saudi shipping and infrastructure. The escalating conflict is further complicated by reports of maritime security incidents; the United Kingdom’s maritime security monitor reported a tanker being boarded off the coast of Yemen by armed individuals who diverted it towards Somalia.

Humanitarian Concerns Deepen

The renewed fighting threatens to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. The UN estimates that at least 18 million people lack reliable access to sufficient food, and the potential for a return to full-scale conflict raises fears of widespread suffering. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk urged both sides on Monday to “spare the Yemeni people from further misery” and immediately halt actions that could reignite large-scale hostilities.

Background: Years of Conflict and Fragile Truce

The current escalation builds upon a conflict that began in 2014 when the Houthis seized control of much of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa. This led to years of fighting between the Houthis and the internationally recognised government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition. A UN-brokered truce in 2022 offered a period of relative calm, but recent developments suggest that this fragile peace is rapidly unraveling. Both sides have accused each other of violating the terms of the truce and engaging in attacks on civilian infrastructure.

The situation remains highly volatile as both sides continue to engage in military operations and accuse each other of escalating tensions. International efforts to de-escalate the conflict and prevent a return to full-scale war are ongoing, but their success is uncertain.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.