UN: Death toll in Yemen conflict rises over 500
A new report from the United Nations confirms at least 519 people dead in the Yemen crisis, many children and mostly civilians. Houthi rebels continue to overcome President Hadi’s supporters who are now supported by Saudi-led coalition airstrikes.
Another 1,700 people have been wounded over the past two weeks, UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos, said in a statement Thursday.
Image/CIA
She voiced concern for civilians caught in the crossfire, especially after neighboring Saudi Arabia launched an air-campaign last week in an effort to stop the advancement of Shiite Houthi rebels who deposed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.
“Those engaged in fighting must ensure that hospitals, schools, camps for refugees and those internally displaced and civilian infrastructure, especially in populated areas, are not targeted or used for military purposes,” Amos said in a statement.
At least 90 children have fallen victim to the conflict so far, according to Amos, while some youths are being recruited as child soldiers.
Tens of thousands have fled their homes and crossing to Djibouti and Somalia. To aid civilians, UN is working with the Yemen Red Crescent.
Over 40 people were reported dead in clashes and airstrikes in the port city of Aden on Thursday.
The Yemeni airspace has been declared a“restricted zone” by the coalition, while ships in the region have been urged not to approach Yemen’s ports due to the ongoing military operation.
