UN Yemen Military Coordination talks conclude in Amman amid ceasefire push
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Office of the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen concluded a new round of Military Coordination Committee (MCC) meetings in Amman, Jordan on 11 June, focusing on ceasefire planning, maritime security, and tension reduction in the conflict-ridden country. The session brought together representatives from the internationally recognised Yemeni government and the Joint Forces Command of the Saudi-led coalition.
What the Talks Covered
The Amman round centred on three core areas: ceasefire planning, maritime security, and broader tension reduction measures. The discussions come against a backdrop of a rapidly shifting security landscape in Yemen and across the wider region, underscoring the urgency of sustained diplomatic engagement.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg emphasised the stakes, stating: 'Such engagement under United Nations auspices remains critical in a rapidly evolving and unpredictable security environment for Yemen and the region.'
Houthi Delegation Expected in Coming Period
Notably, the current round did not include the Houthi group — the third MCC delegation. However, based on a commitment made by all sides, the office plans to convene all three MCC delegations, including the Houthis, in the coming period. The MCC was established in April 2022 as part of a UN-brokered truce, with its first three-party meeting held in Amman in May 2022.
Grundberg's Riyadh Visit
Hans Grundberg also concluded a separate visit to Riyadh, where he met with Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) President Rashad Al Alimi, PLC member Abdul Rahman Al-Muharrami, and other senior Yemeni officials. He also held discussions with Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al Jaber and the ambassadors of the UN Security Council permanent members (P5).
The envoy exchanged views on the latest developments in Yemen and the region, stressing the importance of maintaining stability, addressing pressing economic issues, and exploring practical avenues to advance the UN-sponsored political process, according to the office's post on social media platform X.
Yemen's Decade of Conflict
Yemen has been engulfed in conflict since late 2014, when Houthi forces seized the capital Sanaa and much of the country's north, triggering a broader civil war that escalated sharply in 2015 with the entry of the Saudi-led coalition. The conflict has since produced one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and dependent on international aid.
Grundberg also stressed the importance of continued constructive regional and international engagement to support reaching a peaceful resolution. With all three MCC delegations expected to reconvene soon, the next round of talks will be a key indicator of whether the fragile diplomatic momentum can be sustained.