UN calls for ceasefire as US strikes on Yemen claim over 50 lives

On March 16, the United Nations called for an end to all military activities after multiple US strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

In a statement, the spokesman for the UN secretary-general, Stéphane Dujarric, also expressed concern about the continued threats by the Houthis to resume their attacks targeting vessels in the Red Sea, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"We call for utmost restraint and a cessation of all military activities," said Dujarric.

"Any additional escalation could exacerbate regional tensions, fuel cycles of retaliation that may further destabilize Yemen and the region, and pose grave risks to the already dire humanitarian situation in the country," he added.

He reiterated that the UN emphasizes that international law, including international humanitarian law, must be respected at all times.

"The United Nations remains committed to continuing its efforts towards broader de-escalation in Yemen as well as continued engagement with the Yemeni, regional and international stakeholders in order to secure a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict, and ultimately a better future for the Yemeni people," Dujarric said.

To note, The recent escalation in Yemen has resulted in significant casualties and heightened regional tensions. On March 15, 2025, the United States launched extensive air and naval strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, following President Donald Trump's directive. These operations targeted radars, air defenses, and missile and drone systems, aiming to restore security in the Red Sea and deter Houthi attacks on shipping routes.

The Houthi-controlled health ministry reported that these strikes resulted in at least 53 fatalities, including five children and two women, and injured 98 others.

In response, Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi vowed to target U.S. ships in the Red Sea as long as the U.S. continues its attacks on Yemen.

The U.S. has expressed its intention to persist with military operations until the Houthis cease their assaults on shipping lanes. President Trump emphasized that the U.S. would hold Iran accountable for supporting the Houthis, stating that if Iran threatened the United States, "America will hold you fully accountable and, we won't be nice about it!"

Iran, in turn, has denied direct involvement with the Houthis and cautioned against further U.S. escalation. Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, warned that Iran would respond decisively if the U.S. continued its threats.

By Khagan Isayev