RIYADH — United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has described recent developments in Yemen’s Hadramout governorate as a “dangerous escalation,” pledging that the UN will do everything possible to prevent further deterioration and to restore peace in the country.

Speaking in an interview with Al Arabiya and Al Hadath television channels, Guterres expressed deep concern over mounting tensions in eastern Yemen. He stressed that instability in Hadramout could undermine fragile efforts to end the wider conflict and worsen humanitarian suffering.

“What Hadramout is witnessing is a dangerous development and escalation. We will do all we can to avoid it and to bring peace back to Yemen,” Guterres said.

The UN chief also reiterated his call for the immediate release of detained UN employees held by Houthi militias, describing their arrest as “unacceptable.” He emphasized that protecting humanitarian workers and ensuring their freedom is essential for sustaining aid operations in Yemen.