UNITED NATIONS, Sunday, April 20, 2025 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced deep alarm over recent US airstrikes around Yemen’s port of Ra’s Isa, which reportedly caused numerous civilian casualties and significant damage to vital infrastructure.
According to initial reports, at least five humanitarian workers were injured in the strikes, while fears are mounting over potential oil leaks into the Red Sea, posing serious environmental risks.
In a statement issued Saturday by his spokesperson, Guterres underscored that international law, including international humanitarian law, “must be respected at all times.” He urged all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and safeguard civilian infrastructure.
The Secretary-General also expressed grave concern over continued missile and drone attacks by Houthi forces targeting Israel and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. He called for an immediate halt to such actions, emphasizing the need to fully comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2768 (2025), which addresses Houthi assaults on merchant shipping.
Warning of a heightened risk of broader regional conflict, Guterres appealed to all sides to exercise “utmost restraint” to prevent further escalation.
He further reiterated his call for the “immediate and unconditional” release of all UN personnel and other individuals arbitrarily detained by Houthi forces.
