On Thursday, the United Nations gathered in order to discuss the turmoil in Yemen. Political distress, as well as militant groups, has endangered the country’s stability.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and Special Envoy to Yemen Jamal Benomar explained the situation in Yemen to the U.N. Security Council.
“Yemen is collapsing before our eyes. We cannot stand by and watch. We must do everything possible to help Yemen step back from the brink and get the political process back on track,” said Moon.
In September, Shi’ite Muslim Houthi militants gained control of the Yemen capital of Sanaa. The militant group has suspended the central government. The United States as well as France and Britain have closed their embassies, for security reasons. Benomar stated, however, that political negotiations and agreements have been occurring daily in the capital. Though attempts for restoration are progressing, Yemen is still on shaky ground, says Benomar.
“Today Yemen is at a crossroad - either the country would descend into civil war and disintegration or the country would find a way to put the transition back on track,” he said.
Though the Houthi militants currently have control of the capital, rival groups of Sunni militants have been increasing their attacks. Al-Qaeda, a Sunni group, is a terrorist force that is gaining ground and support during this time of crisis in Yemen. The group has carried out attacks on a global scale in the past, and some fear that it may regain prominence through the Yemen turmoil.
In the town of Shabwa, a Sunni militant group affiliated with Al-Qaeda captured an important military base that held up to 2,000 Yemen soldiers. After hours of fighting, the militants gained control of the military base. Residents and officials fear that the recent capture of the base will prompt the Houthi fighters to retaliate and overtake the military base and town of Shabwa.
Yemen has suffered political and economic disaster. Benomar and Moon warn that the country will collapse if there is no interference.
