HUDAYDAH, 18 January 2021 — The United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) has received disturbing reports of a significant increase in clashes in parts of the Hudaydah governorate in recent days, particularly in Hays and Durayhimi. Head of UNMHA and Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee Lieutenant General (Retired) Abhijit Guha said this is contrary to the obligations of the parties to the ceasefire and the resulting causalities to civilians are unacceptable.

"The safety and security of the local population remains of paramount importance and is the essential reason behind the ceasefire agreement. We will be doing everything possible to remind both parties of their obligations under the Hudaydah Agreement and international humanitarian law. I urge them to stop this escalation before it causes any further harm to civilians."

Lieutenant General (Retired) Guha reiterated his call to both parties to enable UNMHA teams to visit locations of concern, including heavily-contested areas and sites of recent significant incidents. The ability to conduct clear assessments will help further the Mission's role in supporting the parties in their implementation of the Hudaydah Agreement, he said.

The Mission continues to engage directly with the parties to de-escalate the current situation and encourage full adherence to their obligations under the terms of the Agreement.