U.N. Warns Yemen Conflict Could Become Iraq-Libya-Syria Scenario

Source: REUTERS

By Michelle Nichols
UNITED NATIONS Mon Mar 23, 2015 9:03am IST

(Reuters) - The United Nations warned on Sunday that Yemen's conflict could become an "Iraq-Libya-Syria" scenario if either side pushes for control of the country, prompting the U.N. Security Council to threaten further measures if the hostilities do not end.

The violence has been spreading across the Arabian peninsula country since last year when Houthi militia seized the capital Sanaa and effectively removed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who now seeks a comeback from the southern port city of Aden.

U.N. mediator Jamal Benomar briefed the 15-member Security Council on Sunday and said Yemen had been pushed "towards the edge of civil war."

"It would be an illusion to think that the Houthis could mount an offensive and succeed in taking control of the entire country," Benomar said via video link from Doha. "It would be equally false to think that President Hadi could assemble sufficient forces to liberate the country from the Houthis.

Read more: http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/03/23/yemen-security-un-idINKBN0MI0QM20150323