Red Cross calls for urgent de-escalation in West Asia
The International Committee of the Red Cross has issued an urgent call for de-escalation in West Asia, citing the devastating impact of ongoing conflicts on civilians. The statement highlights the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and the targeting of civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia as major concerns.
Why it matters
The escalation of regional conflict threatens the safety of millions of civilians and risks further destabilizing global energy markets.
The Red Cross called on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) for urgent de-escalation in West Asia, warning that further fighting would be disastrous for tens of millions of civilians.
Yemen’s civil war -- in which a Saudi-led military coalition supports the government against the Iran-backed Houthis -- reignited in July, months into the wider regional conflict that has roiled energy markets and plunged the Middle East into crisis.
“Civilians are paying an unacceptable price as a result of military operations in the Middle East,” said Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Houthis quickly began targeting Saudi oil facilities, tankers and transport hubs, including a string of lethal strikes on Riyadh’s airport, rocking the world’s top oil exporter.
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