The GuardianThe sudden surge in violence in Yemen could scupper fragile moves toward a peace settlement, UN special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths said. Houthi rebel forces appear to have cut off and routed the government forces, even overcoming close air support from Saudi Arabia. The upswing in violence “told us is that the war is not over,” Griffiths said. Griffiths acknowledged that the previous strategy of localized agreements before national talks, such as an agreement over the strategic port city of Hodeidah, was no longer appropriate. “Progress on the agreement is vital if we are to launch political talks,” Griffiths said.
