The United Nations has voiced concern over mounting violence between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government troops and allied forces in the province of Dhalea, south of the country.

In a tweet, the U.N. special envoy in Yemen, Martin Griffiths, said “the SE is deeply concerned about the ongoing escalation in Al Dhalea, and urges all parties to exercise utmost restraint”.

He warned that “any military escalation risks a setback in the progress towards peace in Yemen”.

Dhalea has seen a spike in encounters between government forces and Houthis, with the government Said the killing of dozens of Houthi fighters and the latters accusing their opponents of causing civilian deaths.

A Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out military offensives since March 2015 in support for the government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to regain control over territories seized by Houthis, who are widely believed to enjoy the backing of Iran.

The United Nations is brokering de-escalation deals between both parties, and Stockholm hosted days of negotiations, but since then, both parties have traded accusations of breaching the agreements.

Fighting in Yemen has left thousands dead and wounded, with millions of civilians unable to afford food, according to the United Nations.

AFP.