Griffiths denounced recent escalations in Marib and Al-Jawf He also said escalation in fighting disrupts combat efforts RIYADH: The UN on Sunday denounced a military escalation in Yemen, which it said jeopardizes a cease-fire. UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, called on all sides to reduce tensions, particularly “the recent increasing hostilities in the governorates of Ma’rib and Al Jawf.” “I once again urge the parties to take serious measures to de-escalate, give peace a chance, and continue to engage constructively with the UN efforts to reach an agreement,” Griffiths said. “I hope they will refrain from the misguided quest for territorial gain by force, which can only bring more violence and suffering to Yemen.” Griffiths denounces the military escalation across #Yemen particularly in Marib&Al Jawf that goes against the spirit of the UN-facilitated negotiations. He urges the parties to de-escalate &engage constructively with the UN efforts to reach an agreementhttps://t.co/VpgCmfY2uo — @OSE_Yemen (@OSE_Yemen) June 21, 2020 According to the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, hundreds of thousands of displaced Yemenis are based in Marib, an area that has been relatively calm over the past five years. The surge in clashes between the Iran-backed Houthis and forces loyal to the internationally recognized government come as the country is battered by COVID-19. Griffiths said increased fighting “impeded efforts to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak devastating the country.”