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United Nations

UN Security Council Extends Mandate of UN Mission to Support Hudaydah Agreement

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) until January 28, 2026, amid growing tensions in the region and worsening humanitarian needs. The extension comes as the mission faces significant operational constraints, including restrictions by Houthi authorities on UN patrols to critical Red Sea ports and damage from repeated airstrikes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of UNMHA until January 28, 2026, to maintain stability in the region and facilitate the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement.
  • The mission monitors the ceasefire, facilitates redeployments, and supports de-escalation through liaison mechanisms between the Government of Yemen and Ansar Allah (the Houthis).
  • Tensions are mounting in the region, with ceasefire violations averaging over 100 per day between June 2024 and May 2025, and Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea intensifying.
  • UNMHA faces significant constraints, including restrictions by Houthi authorities on UN patrols to critical Red Sea ports and damage from repeated airstrikes, which have disrupted fuel, food, and medical imports.
  • A polio vaccination drive is underway in Government-controlled areas of southern Yemen, amid concerns over the continued spread of the virus, with 282 cases reported since 2021.
  • The campaign is essential to interrupt transmission and protect every child from the debilitating effects of polio, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Statistics:

  • Ceasefire violations averaged over 100 per day between June 2024 and May 2025.
  • 282 cases of polio have been reported since 2021.
  • 70% of Yemen's commercial imports and 80% of humanitarian deliveries pass through the Hudaydah ports.
  • The campaign to propagate polio vaccination aims to cover 12 governorates in southern Yemen.
  • The Red Sea ports, including Hudaydah, Salif, and Ras Issa, have been subject to restrictions by Houthi authorities on UN patrols.

Sources:

  • "UN Security Council adopts resolution 2786 (2025) extending the mandate of the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) until 28 January 2026." United Nations.
  • Letter from the Secretary-General to the UN Security Council in June, detailing a growing number of ceasefire violations and restrictions by Houthi authorities on UN patrols to critical Red Sea ports.
  • Statement by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg condemning Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea.
  • "Polio cases reported in Yemen reach 282 since 2021." World Health Organization (WHO).
  • "UNICEF and WHO launch polio vaccination campaign in southern Yemen." UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

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