Yemen – Escalation in Yemen and in the region (Jan. 24)

France strongly condemns the missile attacks against the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on January 23 and 24, for which the Houthis claimed responsibility. This followed the Houthi attacks on Abu Dhabi on January 17. France reiterates its support for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and its commitment to their security and regional stability.

France deplores the many civilian victims of the airstrikes against Yemen on January 20 and 21, in Sanaa and Hodeidah, and offers its condolences to their families.

France condemns violations of international humanitarian law wherever they occur and by all those who perpetrate them. France urgently calls on all the parties to abide by international humanitarian law and to protect civilian populations.

Given this situation, France calls for de-escalating tensions in Yemen and in the region.

France reaffirms its commitment to a cessation of hostilities throughout Yemen and a revival of discussions among Yemeni stakeholders with the goal of reaching a comprehensive political agreement. To that end, it reiterates its support for the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg.